Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning was full of excitement. Cookies for breakfast? Sure Emma! Daddy also made eggs, bacon, and cinnamon rolls which became an unintended tradition my mom started when Rachael and I were little. 

After Daddy assured her the beanbag chair found Christmas morning was okay, she made herself right at home. 

The kiddos both found hog noses in their stockings along with many other goodies. 

After a morning of excitement and filling our bellies, we headed to church to celebrate the reason for all of the excitement and the perfect gift given freely to us!

After church, yummy leftovers, and good naps all around we continued the exciting day. 

All dressed up for a little shopping, Emma had fun pushing her shopping cart all around the house.

We enjoyed opening presents from lots of family. 

Caleb checked out his toolbox of real tools from Grandma. The goggles just made the look! 

Emma Katherine enjoyed her prime seating...in Daddy's lap of course. 

Caleb spelled his name on his new magnetic board. 

They continued to play with Caleb's new train table which we barely pried them away from this morning.

Mommy and Caleb bundled in one of her new scarves.

There was lots of help when it came to opening. 

A present this special deserved special wrapping paper. Underneath the painted Christmas trees was a picture frame made of seashells we collected together this summer at the beach. The picture reminded of us of such a fun trip, one we can't wait to repeat.

Emma Katherine will look so sweet cooking with her new dishes wearing her new apron. 

This bear received lots of hugs from Emma. 

That night we joined the Barlows for dinner. It was nice to see the little ones play and have fun.

Emma Katherine made herself right at home in a rocking chair that was once Aunt Rebecca's when she was a little girl. The day was full of excitement but not so busy we couldn't slow down and enjoy the day with our family. This is something we've tried to remember each year because if you're too busy, you'll quickly miss these sweet moments.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve morning was spent in jammies. The house filled with yummy smells and these two just enjoyed time playing especially since Grandma was staying with us.

Another big smile face from Emma!

 We had a late lunch/early dinner to make sure we had plenty of time to make it to church. New friends, the Bernets joined us along with the Barlows and Grandma. The table was full of ham, sweet potatoes, and green beans. The rolls had a twist this year. Each person wrote (or had written for them) what they are thankful for on a piece of paper. These were tucked inside the rolls before cooking and read as each person broke their bread. It was fun to see who wrote what. Our group was thankful for everything from pacifiers and a great work team to a full house and His unconditional grace. This will definitely make the list of repeats.  

Before starting the meal, we used our new trees read the Christmas story from Luke Chapter 2 and Isaiah together. Caleb helped me make these and I can't wait to use them in the future. It was a fun way for everyone to participate in reading about the birth of Christ.  

By the end of the night the kids were exhausted but not too tired to decorate cookies.

The adults enjoyed tirimisu while Caleb and Zoe decorated beautiful cookies to eat.

Before bed Emma opened the last of the Christmas books. An idea shared by a friend has become one of our favorites. Each night one of the kids get to pick out a book to read. This year Caleb sought out particular colors to open. It was so fun to enjoy old favorites and new titles as well.

Christmas Eve Eve on the Square

Friday night before Christmas, we had a fun evening with the Beardsleys. We joined their family for dinner. Caleb always enjoys playing and is mesmerized by so many trains and toys. After dinner we headed to the square. 

Caleb quickly saw the ponies and wanted to ride. 

Emma Katherine was captivated by all of the lights. "Look!" she continues to say when she seems them.

A Beardsley/Baureis family picture with the addition of Savannah for her first Christmas.

Dawn and Levi

Little Savannah was snug and sweet as she could be.

Emma Katherine was tickled for Daddy to hold her close to the lights and could have stayed there all night.

Seth was more into climbing than posing for pictures. 

Still looking at all of those lights. 

Caleb was too busy to stop for pictures but there's always a moment to see the big razorback on the square.

That night Grandma let the kiddos open a few presents. Emma Katherine liked her hammering tower and Caleb had fun with is new truck with magnetic crane. 

A sweet face to go along with her "I've been good all year" pajamas 

and an even sweeter face for Daddy.