Every December and January, I tend to go into hiding away from the internet. Sweet Jessi called this hibernation. I just get so wrapped up in the spirit of Christmas, and the overwhelming joy of being with family, and the crazy mix of slow days and fast days.
I’m slowly coming out of that sweet little place, but wanted to share some of our Christmas memories.
We are so fortunate that Todd’s parents and grandmother live here in town, and my parents are always so sweet to drive here from Indiana to be with us. My brother hasn’t been with us on Christmas for the past four Christmases, due to the nature of his work in Colorado.
On Christmas Eve, Todd’s parents, my parents, and our little family all go to church. This year I was singing and Todd was serving the Lord’s supper, so we stayed for two services. Hudson sat through the service while Hayes went to the nursery. I got so choked up looking at my little boy holding his candle and holding his little hand up high during Silent Night.
We all came back to our house for gumbo, French bread, and salad. Being in our new house for Christmas was so sweet, and so comfy.
Todd, my parents and I stayed up late playing Santa and watching The Family Stone. That movie always makes me want five kids. I sob every time.
On Christmas morning, Todd’s parents and grandmother came over and my parents got up. Both boys woke up around 7:30. I love this age because they still don’t come in to see what Santa brought before we get to them. We had to remind them that it was Christmas!
The boys rushed in and saw all their gifts from Santa. Their big gift was wrapped in a box from Santa.
The boys went to open it and these fun Mickey balloons popped out.
And then Hudson read us a note from Santa that said, “Hudson and Hayes, You are going to Disney World. Love, Santa.”
Hudson was so excited. He keeps saying he’s going to “Dismey” World. We don’t leave until the end of January, but we are all so excited! I’ve been planning this since last Christmas.
We had a lazy day and took our time unwrapping all the gifts. Our tree was surrounded by gifts for everyone in both families and it was such a great, slow morning as we all unwrapped, ate breakfast, unwrapped some more. Before we knew it, it was time for naps.
I made my way to the porch and turned on the fireplace, and curled up in a sleeping bag while reading my new Garden and Gun book. (This is a great gift, by the way. Nina gave me a copy and I gave a copy to my mom.)
Over the past few days, we’ve organized rooms in the house, hung a lot of pictures on the walls, and hung the curtains in Hudson’s room. And my mom and I got out to see a couple of movies a few nights ago. We saw American Hustle and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Seeing movies with her is one of my favorite things.
We had a really merry Christmas this year. I loved being with my family and celebrating the birth of our Savior. What a gift!
What a wonderful Christmas! I love that you’re taking your kiddos to Disney! So much fun!!
It sounds like a fun and relaxing time. And I bet the boys will love Disney World! What a great surprise :). What did you think of Walter Mitty and American Hustle? I want to see both movies but Walter Mitty didn’t get good reviews. My husband and I saw The Hunger Games and the Hobbit. Loved both movies.
What a wonderful Christmas with your family and how sweet to celebrate together in your new home!! We’re hoping to take our kids to Disney World this coming year, so I’ll be looking forward to hearing (and seeing :)) how your trip goes!
January is the perfect time to go to WDW. I went last January before school started and there were barely any lines and the weather was comfortable. I’m sure you know this already BUT make sure to make dining reservations and utilize Fast Pass and the Photo Pass. I’m sure everyone will have a wonderful time!
I LOVE your decor! So classy!
Love the boys big gift!! And I also love the Hudson says “Dismey,” too!
Looks like a wonderful Christmas in your new home!!
What a lovely Christmas! I love those Silent Night services. Such a magical time. And Disney World is my favorite place! Even as a 24 year old adult! Love it, girl! Can’t wait for your trip photos! 🙂
http://sometimesgracefully.com
January is a perfect time to head to Disney! We went a few years ago over MLK weekend (my sister was competing in UDA college nationals) and had the best time. Not too crowded, so perfect for their age. And the “magic” of Disney is truly the best when watching your child enjoy every minute!
Love that you had such a wonderful Christmas!
Congrats on the beautiful new home. I am so glad you were able to get in on time for Christmas!
I loved The Secret Life of Walter Middy too!
I bet Disney will be great at that time of year!! What a wonderful gift!! So glad you had a great Christmas in your new home! 🙂
Have fun at Dismey World!! 🙂 I look forward to when the girls are a little older (mainly Sydney) and we can take them. Looks like a wonderful Christmas with your sweet family. And I’m happy you were able to spend it in your new home!
That’s such a great gift from Santa!!
This is so precious! I’m filing this idea away for when we have kids! 🙂 We are actually heading down on Feb. 2 for a belated 5th anniversary trip! 🙂 Happy New Year!
Oh my, I LOVE The Family Stone. Great flick, and it makes me want more kids too!!:)
I just started reading your blog and I love it. I found it interesting that I was born in LA (Shreveport) as well and currently live in Indiana (Upland). What part of LA were you raised in and where in IN did you live?
Deborah
We did the Disney surprise for our girls on Christmas last year and it is THE best. Being there in January while everything is still decorated for the holidays is amazing! Enjoy :).
Looks like you all had a great fun & family filled Christmas. And Disney! I wanna come be part of your family and have Christmas with you guys! I’m sure you all & the boys especially will have an amazing time on your trip to Disney. Just a little jealous up here in cold kinda rainy snowy Ohio. Have a safe, fun & family filled new years eve! And hope 2014 is full of nothing but wonderful things for you and your adorable family. Happy New Year!!
love the Disney surprise!! I have to do with my future children!!