Christmas in February

Well here it is almost the end of January and I have not yet posted Christmas photos.  So many excuses of  why but the main reason is pure blog laziness.  My motivation to blog lately has been super low.  I am now resolving to get back in the groove and start documenting again.  So catch up,  what has been happening with the Tomlinson's?  I will start back to Christmas break since that seems to be about where I left off.  We started off our Christmas festivities by attending the kids Christmas parties at school.  Although the parties are not anything amazing I always love seeing the kids in their school enviroment.  Gram and I went together since the kids both had their parties at the same time.  So sweet to see them with their friend, they are always so proud to show off their "school life'.  Kind of crazy to think that they have a whole social network that doesn't include Greg or I.  They had a great time and since I just took a half day off they ended up coming back to school with me in the afternoon.  They love coming to school with the big kids and my students love having little ones to play with. 

Always love all the annual Christmas activities that our family are now making traditions.  Heading to Union Station for the trains is one of our favorites.  We go at least once a month normally but something about that place at Christmas is just magical.   Poor Harper had been subjected to more trains in her life than any little girl should ever have to bear.  She is such a champ!

 

Putting up our tree over Thanksgiving break.  The kids were so into the decorations this year.  I think the total broken ornament count ended in about 5.  We would look in the living room and Harper would have every ornament within her reach all lined up on the floor.  She loved taking them off and putting them back on.  Briggs loved re-discovering all his ornaments that he has got over the years,  the trains and airplanes are still his favorites. 

 

We have a Christmas countdown tree that Greg's Grammy made years ago.  Our kids loved putting a new ornament on each day and tried to guess which ornament it would be.  Love having traditions that have been passed down. 

 

I have 2 of the sweetest little bakers to work with in making Christmas treats.  They love putting in all the ingredients and Briggs had even mastered breaking an egg with no shell ended up in the bowl.  We made sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered popcorn, and puppy chow.  Glad we had people to share with or I would have been in trouble. 

 

On Christmas eve we hosted the Herron side of the family at our house.  Our first time that we have not been to Chanute for Christmas, seemed a little strange.  It worked out great and Mom and Dad were able to be with each set of Grandkids at some point on Christmas day.  We paid tribute to our old Christmas Eve's at Grandma Herron's with a Mexican theme.  The food was great and it was so nice to be with everyone on Christmas Eve.  The kids were thrilled to be together and to have a living room full of presents waiting for them.  With 6 kids 6 and under there was no shortage of excitement, noise, or craziness.  All in all a success and something I think we will continue for years to come. 

 

Despite feeling a little under the weather the kids were so excited for a visit from Santa.  Cookies and reindeer food out everyone went to bed anxious for what the next morning would bring. 

 

The kids were as expected thrilled on Christmas morning and could not wait to get down stairs.  They both had very simple requests for Santa this year. Harper asked for 2 kitties and 1 snake, stuffed not real she always reminded us.  Briggs asked for a new hot wheel and 1 new wooden train.  I told them they could ask Santa for anything and still that is what they wanted.  I should be thankful I suppose, I am sure that our wish list will not always be that simple.  It was so fun watching there reactions to each present,  and how happy they were with everything.  Mom and Dad were able to see the kids enjoy Christmas morning and joined us for a great brunch.  We rested and played with all our new toys before getting around to head over to Gram and Grandad's.

 

 

Always love a warm toasty fire, a glass of wine, and being around family and that is just what we got on Christmas afternoon.  The kids love going to Gram and Grandad's and even a bonus that our Mia got to join us this year.  As always there was no shortage of presents or food.  The kids could not wait to tear into presents and actually loved watching each other open presents.  A perfect way to end a fabulous Christmas Season.  We feel so lucky to have family that we love being with and are able to to share the holidays with. 

 

Happy New Year a little late!!