Merry Christmas!

This year we decided not to do Christmas cards. We really wanted to, but things just got too busy and something had to go. So, to all of you who were offended thinking we left you off the list this year - you weren't alone. :) We did take Christmas pictures, so I decided we had to post them so it didn't feel like a waste.Our Christmas was perfect. This is one of the things I was most excited about and anxious for over the years of waiting to be a mom. This was by far the best Christmas ever. Which was, of course, because we had our kids home with us.

We had 4 celebrations over 2 days which was too much, but so good at the same time. We were glad to be able to spend at least a little bit of time with all sides of our families. This year we made special plans to go down to Mankato for my Dad's side of the family because there were aunts, uncles, and cousins that hadn't met the kids yet. We also spent time with my family, my Mom's side, and Matt's family. It was a special Christmas this year for Matt's family because his sister, Sam, and her husband, Stephan, were home from Jerusalem.

The best part of the entire two days was our little family Christmas on Christmas morning. I hadn't told the kids they were getting presents. However, after Christmas eve celebrations Michael kept asking if he was going to be getting "more priss," as he calls it. Watching them walk down the stars Christmas morning to find a few gifts wrapped, their stockings full, and a trampoline set up was priceless. Michael kept saying, "Why trampoline mom? Why? Why?" Liliana didn't notice anything special when she came down the first set of stairs, but when she turned the corner on the landing and saw the trampoline, she booked it down the second set of stairs. The only time she got off the trampoline all morning was to open a present and to eat breakfast.

We were so glad the kids enjoyed their gifts so much and it gave us great joy to watch them open them. Of course, the real joy of Christmas comes from our Savior and it was a true blessing to be able to share that story with Michael and Liliana. We look forward to future Christmases even more when they can better understand how incredible this holiday really is.

Here are a couple from the weekend. Too many good ones to post them all, but here is a sampling of our first Christmas together: