Our family had a wonderful Christmas. Since Costco put up trees and lights back in early October (or maybe September), Carter has been saying, "Christmas is coming!" Well, it finally came, and it was wonderful. We had a little hectic week prior to Christmas, as both Carter and I came down with a mild tummy flu, and then Carter woke up five days before Christmas with double pink eye and a double ear infection. We were back at the doctor on Monday to switch his antibiotics when he broke out in full body hives as an allergic reaction to the first medicine. God is merciful, and Carter was healthy and able to be in public again on Christmas Eve--just in time!
On Christmas Eve, we had family time around the house, and then we went to afternoon church services at Compass Bible Church. It was a wonderful service reminding us of how Christ glorified the Father by coming and living a perfect life and dying for us, and how we can glorify God in our own actions as well.
After church, we headed to my sister and brother-in-law's house to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family. The six kids were excited to open presents, which we did after a yummy Mexican food dinner. Carter loves going to my sister's house. They are blessed with a home in Nellie Gail, and he calls it the "trampoline house." They have a giant yard with a big trampoline and a tropical pool with a rock slide. It was drizzly, but he got a little time on the trampoline. He was fine being inside too, since the game room had both air hockey and a fooseball table.
On Christmas morning, we got up late (8:00) and enjoyed the cold, rainy morning. We prayed together as a family and opened most of our presents. At about 10:30, we headed to Ryan's parents' home, where we had breakfast and opened presents. Gabe, Ivy and Carter all loved the presents, but Gabe was an absolute joy to watch, as he shook his hands and bounced around in excitement. Later that afternoon, Ryan's extended family came over to his parents' for a delicious dinner with all the trimmings. It was such a fun day--spending time with family and thanking God for all the numerous blessings we enjoy, all undeservedly.
Carter made out with WAAAAYY too much loot this year. We spent most of the 26th unboxing his toys and finding creative ways to store all the "stuff." Next year, we'll be back to buying very little for him and letting the other family members fill the toy box. Not surprisingly, his favorite toys were anything with noises, buttons and movement. It was fun to see him playing with all the alphabet and counting toys this year and hearing him actually count and identify all the letters. He's growing up fast! Baby brother even got some outfits, which means he won't be wearing entirely hand me downs.
Enjoy some of the pictures. We can't wait to hear all about your Christmas celebrations and the blessings you enjoyed!
Carter enjoying the giant trampoline while grandma watches his stunts!
Carter and his cousin, Grace, pretending to play checkers.
Carter, Gabe and Ivy are excited for presents!
Silly cousins: Stephen, Grace, Connor, Lauren, Carter and Cassie
4 comments:
Wow...all the kiddos are getting so grown up! And we too had rain so it made for no bike riding, but lots of cozy good times inside! Blessings for you and your family in 2009!
I'm so glad you had a nice Christmas! I love the HUGE trampoline!!! The pics of Carter, Ivy and Gabe are so precious too!
It was a great time. You captured it well, Chiara!
Chiara, I loved our Christmas celebration. It is always magical to experience Christmas through the eyes of a child. I even enjoyed being cold, just watching Carter race back and forth on the trampoline as fast his little legs would carry him. I like that we have so varied a group in the cousins as variety is determined by age. The younger ones love following the older ones, and we genuinely "old" people love watching it all. Love, Mom
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