Christmas 2013: In Photos and a Few Words

Christmas 2013 was:

River's first Christmas
Monkey bread for breakfast
Parties and dinners with family and friends for four days straight
Christmas carol singalongs with my brother on guitar and Shawn on the drums
"Miracle on 34th Street" on repeat
Staying up late to wait for Santa with Shawn and my mom
Isabelle serving on the alter at Christmas Eve mass
Peppermint tea and deep talks around the fire
Fighting over Barbies
Christmas Eve pajama party with the cousins
Slowing down and savoring the moment
Adding an extra plate or two as we welcomed more and more visitors
A warm home filled with love and a mama learning to embrace the mess
Cookies before bed

Friday was for a family trip to the zoo for the holiday light safari, Saturday was for last minute shopping and cookie baking, Sunday was for dinner and football with my Dad's side of the family, and Monday was for getting all dressed up for a big party with my Mom's side of the family.

Isabelle played Christmas carols on the piano on Christmas Eve and the boy cousins loved on River.

We are so blessed to have friends who are more like family.

People say we look alike...

When he takes a break from nursing just to look up at me and smile: heart bursting moment.

Matching jammies are a must.  So are silly faces.

Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.  Best, most simple, most appreciated Christmas we've ever had. 

Christmas Day was a slow cooked roast, a honey baked ham, and staying in our jammies all day. 

Last year on Christmas morning, we shared the news with our parents that we were expecting another baby.  This year, we held him in our arms and thanked our lucky stars that he belongs to our family.

Another year of family and traditions and memories made.  I pray that these three will always look forward to spending the holidays with each other as their families grow.