Christmas 2013

Our first Christmas at home! We decided to not make the trip back to California this year because let's face it, it is pricey! Although we missed being with our extended family it was so nice to have Leila's first Christmas with just our little crew.

Leila's first present was from Great-Grandma Passey which she got to open early. Grandma has made each of the kids these little stocking ornaments and I was so excited for Leila to get hers that I had her open it early.

She was pretty into sucking on the tissue paper. 

Precious moment getting to hang up her first ornament.

A few days before Christmas we joined the Calhouns in their traditional visit to the Santa that visits their neighborhood. We never did this growing up but I've always wanted to. So I was very excited for Leila to get to meet the big guy! And she was a champ! He actually gave her a special Santa figurine to remember her first Santa by. So sweet!!

We are so lucky to have some family around so we weren't completely alone for the holidays. We've got the Calhoun Cousins just 30 minutes away and "The Other Calhoun Cousins" just 20 minutes away. We were grateful that they invited us to be a part of their Christmas Eve celebrations. We had an amazing dinner at Will and Pargie's house (the most delicious cheese and chocolate fondue and enough pies to feed a small village) followed by the presentation of the Nativity put on by the children. Leila was lucky enough to get to play the part of Baby Jesus.

 

When she wasn't wrapped in swaddles, she got to show off her ADORABLE Christmas Dress. I wanted her to get as much wear out of it as possible so even though it was a little fancy for a Christmas Eve dinner with family I just couldn't resist.

Jeremy and I couldn't resist pulling out the old Christmas sweaters for this occasion too! :)

We kept our tradition of getting to open Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve and Leila was really into it.  

So she has been wearing one pair of Christmas jammies all month that were hand-me-downs and I saved this other pair of hand-me-downs to wrap up for her. :) I like tradition but I just didn't see the reason to buy new pajamas when we already had perfectly good ones for her! And she loved them! So who knows, maybe all our children will be receiving this same pair of pajamas for their first Christmas PJs.

Jeremy and I however did get new "pajamas" but have tried to mix it up. We already have a lot of PJs so I asked for work-out pants.

And Jeremy asked for new basketball shorts. I also spoiled him and threw in a new top. (This guy still wears clothes from when he was 14...some even younger!)

Perfect place for all four of our stockings...Mom, Dad, Leila, and Alfred. 

 

 

CHRISTMAS MORNING 

Before doing any presents, once Leila woke up we stayed in our room and Jeremy shared a message and his testimony (like his Dad did growing up). Then we wrote our gifts to Christ. After this spiritual time we got to look at our stockings.

Alfred got some Stress Coat and a new filter!

Leila's stocking was full of treats. She didn't know what to think! 

A couple of movies, fishy bath toys, her first sippy cup, and lots of snacks.  

Inside my stocking was a special present...a family camping trip to the beach. Can't wait!

The rest of the day was spread out. We ate breakfast, then opened some presents, then napped, then opened some more, then talked to family, etc. It was so nice to just hangout and enjoy the day at home. Just the way I like it!

Presents from Gram and Papa

Leila got her first doll and was SO EXCITED! She loves kids and this is the first one that will just let Leila love on her. They are already great friends. 

Mom got Leila books, Dad got Leila balls. She is going to be a well rounded kid with such different parents...or at least I hope so!

Skyping with Grandma and Grandpa Evans. Thankful for technology!! 

Leila loves her "Ladybug Girl" book! 

Playing with her new toy from Gram Rox: her exersaucer!

I was pretty stressed about what to have for Christmas dinner. I mean it is a big deal! I'm not a big fan of ham so I really didn't want to go traditional. We had turkey a lot growing up but cooking a turkey that could live up to my mom's was way too intimidating. So we just decided to go our own way...pan-seared steak, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli and "fancy bread" topped off with sparkling cider of course. Perfect Christmas meal to end the perfect Christmas.

 

I had to throw in these last pictures. When I was a kid I loved just being home at Christmas time. I just liked to snuggle, play with my new toys, and drink hot cocoa. I loved catching Leila do just that...snuggle in the love sac, drinking her milk, playing with a new toy and feeling totally at peace.

Christmas 2013 was so different than any Christmas I have ever had but it couldn't have been more perfect. No matter where or how we celebrate, the best part of the holidays is looking around at the people in my life and being so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and the blessings He has given me.

Merry Christmas!