Christmas Eve, I went to the barn in the morning and Alden made cookies with Bebe. Matt and I walked the kids and Lily to the park before naps. We did spaghetti casserole for dinner, which has always been a tradition at Nana's house. We braved the 7:00 traditional service at church, and the kids did well...making it about 3/4 of the way through. Matt and I figured we probably won't be enjoying and really participating in a Christmas Eve service for another 5-6 years.
Alden loves this green pillow that came with one of Hudson's playmats and has adopted it as her own.
Hudson tries out the tire swing.
One of Alden's favorite things the Christmas has been our neighbor's elaborate display of lights and inflatables. Every night at dinner she proclaims, "After I eat, go see lights!" And then when we drive by during the day, "Oh, no. Lights not on."
Sweet Hudson.
Christmas morning, Alden came and woke us up around 7:45, and I think she had forgotten that Santa had come. She was so excited to see the farm and wanted to play with each toy for a while before opening another one. It was great to have a relaxed day and enjoy playing with all the new toys. Hudson enjoyed the wrapping paper, and especially his new dancing bear thing from Auntie Amber. Alden racked up and decided that all the new toys were a good trade for the passys.
The day after, we made our traditional pilgrimage to Charlotte. Instead of the usual gathering, we switched things up and went out to dinner at one of Nana's favorite restuarants. They gave us a great big private room, which was great for Alden and Scottie to run around and play while the rest of us visited and enjoyed great food. We all headed back to Nana's for dessert and presents and then Matt and I stayed the night with the kids.Hudson playing peek-a-boo with Kitty Scott.
Matt, Dillon, and Hudson
Alden got a tent and sleeping bag from Aunt Vickie, and the kids loved playing in it.
Saturday night, we did our annual Christmas with the Duprees. This is probably #20 or 21. It was fun to have all the kids together. I can't wait until Jess is in Charlotte!
Begrudgingly, we started a new week, although Matt just had to work Mon-Wed. I rode Monday and Wednesday, and Mom and I ran some errands. We went out to dinner with my parents and their friends on New Years' Eve, and had an early night. Thursday, I went to the barn again, and we spent some time together as a family. The Livecchi clan came over that night for the New Years Day collard/black eyed pea/ham fest. Alden said after they left "Boys are wild!"
Alden has an alphabet train puzzle that she put together and then put something on every piece. The "N" is a norwhal, which she likes, because in Elf, the norwhal says, "Bye Buddy. Hope you find your Dad!"
Friday, mom and I did some shopping with Hudson, and Matt and Alden went to the Y and did some swimming. It has been a couple months since Alden went to the pool, but Matt said she did great and remembered a lot of her old tricks. Matt had a great time with Alden, and she kept talking about all they did together.
Alden has really enjoyed playing with the watercolors Santa put in her stocking.
Saturday, we got ready to head back to Charlotte for my friend Elizabeth's wedding. We left Alden with Bebe, and felt like we were on vacation with just one child. We made a quick stop at Nana's to get dressed and made it to Shelby only a few minutes late. The wedding was beautiful, and the reception was a lot of fun. Ellie looked stunning, and we were so excited to celebrate with them.
Sunday, we enjoyed breakfast with Nana, and lunch with the Brys family. It was hard to come back knowing that we had to start a real week. What a great Christmas/New Years!
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