Merry CHRISTmas!

Its the most wonderful time of the year.  I say this every year, but our kids are at THE perfect age to enjoy the holidays.  And, I'm not just saying that because they love opening gifts.  This year, we sponsored a star and bought gifts for an infant boy named Alexander.  Avah helped me pick out the clothes and wrap the gifts. We've been talking a lot about those who are less fortunate than we are and although she doesn't completely understand, she's comprehending what it means to be generous and has even offered to give some of her older baby dolls to kids who don't have dolls (of course this is quickly followed by, "so Santa can bring me new babies!" but its still nice to hear).  

Last year, we over did it with gifts for the kids. This year, the kids still got a lot of gifts, but we were much more reserved with our spending and tried to explain that while its nice for us to receive gifts, its really Jesus' birthday and we should be giving Him gifts.  This was a hard concept for them to grasp as Benn kept saying, "well...when is it my birfday?" and Avah asked, "why can't we see Jesus when we sing him Happy Birthday?"  So darn cute.  We'll keep working on this concept.  :)

Here is what our Christmas holiday looked like in pictures...

At church on Christmas Eve.  The kids looked much sweeter in this picture than they acted inside the church.  It was cramped and hot, but was a great service.

A family shot before mass.

After mass, we spend the evening with my mom.  Luke was new to this tradition and we were SO excited to be able to celebrate with him.

My Avah angel.

My goofy brother.  We were doing a photo shoot...he was my target and I was his.

Benn being goofy, clearly he takes after his uncle.  :)

Baby Luke hanging out and watching his cousins open some of his gifts.

Matt proudly displaying his "Super Dooper Reindeer Pooper!"  A gift lovingly given my yours truly (amongst other more appropriate and usable gifts).  :)

An action shot, testing out the Reindeer Pooper. 

Avah enjoying some bonding time with her cousin.  

After celebrating with food and family, we headed home to leave cookies for Santa and hang the key on our front door (so Santa can get in, because we don't have a chimney - its a fake key just in case you're wondering). 

What Santa left...oh boy!

One of Benn's favorite gifts.  A hand turned wood bat made by Russ.

This was Benn's expression ALL day long. No matter what gift he opened, the kids acted this surprised and excited about everything from new pajamas to toothpaste.  He was so grateful and appreciative.  He'd say, "Thank  YOU so much!" and "This is just what I wanted!" over and over and over again.

Avah was pretty excited to see this under the tree and couldn't wait to hope on for a ride.  

This was Avah's excited face as she opened a baby doll bed from Grandma G.  Can you tell this was at the top of her list too?

Again...the face.  New cleats every 3 year old's wish come true, right?

Dad G and I showing off our "portfolios."  Mine is for work and his is to organize sandpaper in his garage.  We were both equally excited. :)

This year we hosted Christmas dinner.  I enjoyed every minute planning and cooking.  The house was full and soon were our bellies too.  A wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Christ.  Merry Christmas to ALL!