Best Christmas Ever!

This Christmas Eve and Christmas were an "enjoy every moment" time for me. Matt and I were so blessed to be able to spend so much time with both of our families and our precious kiddos!

We spent Christmas Eve at home, with our traditional cheese, cracker and meat slices (Matt's favorite memory from being a kid). Then we headed out to look at Christmas lights and sing Christmas songs in the car. 

We got home to find our pressure tank spewing water out and our garage flooded with water. A few phone calls later, my dad, mom and brother Jonathan showed up. The guys spent about 40 minutes fixing our tank with Matt while mom and I hung out inside the warm house with the kids. I am so thankful for helpful friends, family and neighbors!

Mom reading stories to Gabriella. 

We finished up our advent calendar and then off to bed with the kids!

After our late night (Matt and I were up til 1 am), Christmas morning came way too early!!

We got the kids out of their rooms and headed to the livingroom. Gabriella saw her Polly Pockets and yelled, "Pollys!" then crawled up on the couch without touching them. We told her they were her present to have and play with. She was ecstatic and jumped off the couch!

Changing dresses. 

Her Polly Pockets are her "special" toys that she gets to play with on the island so Xander can't reach them. 

Xander loves cars so he was totally into his Little People ramp set. 

Playing so nice together!

Me and my favorite girlie!!

Xander was so excited to find more cars in his stocking!

Gabriella loved her new Dora blanket I made her and crawled right up on the couch to snuggle with it. 

Matt loves his chocolate!

The kids opening their "together" present. 

Matt wanted to give the kids a present to share every year so that they can learn to share and play together. 

Next was time for a bath to try her new roll-on paint for the tub!

We got everyone showered and dressed and then it was off to Gramma and Grampa's house. 

Jonathan had fun bugging everyone with he flash on his camera. 

Me and silly Munch!

Me and my pops!

James got his own tool kit from Gramma and Grampa. He was SO excited about it!

My Gramma and Grampa. 

I feel so blessed that they have always lived so close to us and are such a big part of our lives!!

Xander got a Lego set from cousin Reilly and was LOVING playing with it!

After a nap and a visit from Papa Don (Matt's dad), a bunch of my family came over. I love when we all get together!

Olivia reading books to Gabriella. 

Enjoying some of Aunt Diana's amazing pie!!!!

Gabriella said, "it is BANANA PIE!!!!"

Xander playing with the spinning light toy my mom won in the white elephant game. 

Me and Gramma! I love her!!

James and Gabriella (with some help from Gramma) playing his new Xbox game. 

Ariella was feeling sleepy after all the fun!

Me and my Matt!!

(Matt wanted to take a picture that more accurately showed our size difference)

This was the best, most relaxing Christmas we have had in years! It was such a blessing to be surrounded by so much family and feel so much love. Plus, Gabriella ran around all day yelling, "It's Jesus's birthday!" which made my heart feel so full!