Christmas looked different this year, but different did not equal bad as it turned out. Because of the pandemic, we had to forgo our large family gathering at my parents' house, however we were able to have Grandma and Papa up to our house for an entire afternoon and evening. The days before our get-together with them carried a lot of anticipation - we hadn't seen them in two months because after we celebrated Mom's birthday in October covid really picked up in their area.
Grandma and Papa brought presents, cookies, and supper! We are very fortunate people. They also showed up with Frosties, per a deal Papa had made with Mia a couple days before.
Evie was a little shy to warm up, but you could tell she recognized Grandma and Papa. God bless FaceTime. Food, milk, and presents helped her find her groove.
Everyone loved the cookie box Grandma brought. Zayden set his mind to trying everything in it - monster cookies, chocolate chip cookies, kiss cookies, and cornflake balls.
Natalee did have an OT session but she was back after just a bit and the excitement of presents could wait no longer. Evie became a bit of a monster as we carried in presents and she opened a couple partially with lightning speed before we could get to her. Turkey.
Nannie had also sent up the gifts she'd gotten our people, so there was a lot of fun to be had.
Erasable pens and a sparkly notebook.
Games!
His new favorite baseball player - Derek Jeter of the NY Yankees!
Milwaukee for Daddy!
Evie was here for present opening.
I love this picture of the very full Grandma couch.
Nannie got Sam and Ev an air fort, but honestly all of the kids have enjoyed it. It blows up in seconds with a box fan (that she also sent) and is a lot of fun.
I did not do a fabulous job with photos but I did sure enjoy the moments. I cannot wait to get my Martin bird house put up in the yard this spring and see what kind of new friends come to visit us.
After we finished gifts, the boys disappeared to put together Legos. In fact, we didn't see much of Xavier at all the rest of the day, because he was so enjoying the challenge of the Lego technic set he received (he even got up early the next day to finish it). The girls drew, Mia played make-up (and has carried her purse around daily since), and Evie alternated between eating, playing baby, playing in the fort, and just snuggling.
Paw Patrol Chase!
Checking in on her baby...
Quality assurance on baby's paci.
We tried to lay Ev down for a nap but she just couldn't, so we gave up.
Hi, Grandma, thank you for getting me out of my bed.
Also, I love the shacket I got for Mom and she wears it so well.
Papa, where were you that I didn't get more pictures of you? My picture skills for the day weren't great.
We decided on breakfast for supper and Papa made french toast bake (one regular and one deliciousness that was covered in brown sugar sauce), and he and Grandma also brought bacon, homemade smoked country sausage (oh man, so good - tasted like my Grandma Mary's house!), and monkey bread. No one left the table hungry!
After supper the kids put on a Christmas play that they'd put together and practiced. Natalee didn't much want to participate and I kind of encouraged her to, but you could tell she felt a bit old to be a part of it all. There was much giggling and silliness, however the kids' devotion to staying true to the scripture - at times even reciting scripture pretty well word for word - is what struck me the most. And I bet you've never seen a shepherd in a ninja turtle robe.
The six hours Grandma and Papa were here felt like minutes. It literally just flew by. Quick pictures before we let them go - man was it hard to say good-bye. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's to hang on a little tighter.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for bringing Christmas. We're so thankful we got to have the day with you. Sisters and your families - we missed you and love you so very very much.
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