Christmas was so wonderful this year! Matt's call schedule kept us home, but luckily Matt's awesome parents were able to join us and fill the quieter moments with doting grandparent enthusiasm. We had fun establishing our own traditions and enjoying the endearing perspective of a two-year-old.
Christmas Eve-
Matt was called in for most of the day. He was home in time for a nice ham dinner and our Christ-centered family night. We acted out the nativity as Matt's Dad read from Luke, sang favorite hymns, and ate peppermint pie, then kids found new pajamas under their pillows from Santa's earlybird side-kick, "The Pajama Fairy".
Our Nativity
Mom- Angel, Me- Mary, Matt- Joseph, Eliza- Baby Jesus, Car Seat- Manger, John- Shepherd
Sweet little shepherd
(The only reason he allowed this headpiece is because we used a BYU tie)
Our narrator and happy baby
Christmas Day-
John was initially rather averse to the idea of Santa, this bearded and elderly stranger entering our house to leave a toy, but luckily he came around and was thrilled to the core to find his requested trampoline awaiting him when he came down the stairs Christmas morning.
He jumped and laughed for some time
Proud parenting moment- John emptied his stocking and my frightful chocoholic went straight for the apple!
Sick but so happy
Testing out his sweet roller coaster slide from Uncle Wade
John wanted to play with each toy after opening it, so presents lasted for hours!
Eliza enjoyed quality Grandma and Grandpa time
Best reaction of the morning: Mom and Dad opening our education present. It meant so much to us to have them share this Christmas with us, so Matt brainstormed a special present. His parents have instilled such a value of learning in their children, supported them and their spouses along many degrees, and have attended 16 (?) graduation ceremonies (including High School and several spouse degrees). Matt and I designed a simple matte framing a picture of each child and spouse at a graduation with Mom and Dad, pictures of the seal from seven attended universities, and a scripture about seeking learning. It was priceless to witness their reaction of surprise and gratitude.
Overall, a truly wonderful Christmas morning! Great start for our little family.
And to add to the magic, it snowed lightly the night before, creating a White Christmas!
We ate like happy gluttons. Orange scones, clotted cream, and hot chocolate in the morning. Cheese ball and wassail throughout the day. Then we went all out for an early dinner, king crab legs and Martinelli's! I think we ate more later... ham sandwiches, caramels, etc., but all we really remember is the crab legs.
Eliza, dolled up for her first Christmas
The rest of the week was filled with delighting in our new toys, playing with babies, eating well, and enjoying Matt when we saw him.
Napping in her favorite spot; who needs cribs when you have Grandpa?!
This happy girl was held and smiled at the entire week :)
Making a Gingerbread house with Grandpa
And making the whole cast of Sesame Street out of Playdoh
On Friday, the only sunny day, we ventured to Mystic to see the Seaport. This period village of seaside buildings was charming but COLD.
I spy a grumpy cookie monster
John loved the children's museum, so we alternated playing with him there and exploring the other museums.
Eliza stayed bundled and happy.
Once it warmed up, John enjoyed the shipyard playground
The blue water, wooden ships, and white-trimmed houses were beautiful!
We also showed Mom and Dad around Yale campus and a bit around our part of town. Dad took Matt and John to the Peabody Museum to see dinosaurs and bears, and he also got to see Matt in action when a "quick note" on a patient turned into four consecutive consults and procedures.
I love Christmas, and I love to celebrate for multiple days. All my love and gratitude to Mom and Dad for dissipating any potential loneliness and contributing to a very Merry Christmas!
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