Christmas at Gigi and Papa's

This year we celebrate Christmas at Gigi and Papa's. The kids were so excited to be on our way after the busy times in the week leading up to our winter break.

On Christmas Eve, after some last minute shopping during the day per my family's tradition, we got all dressed up for church. Try as I might I couldn't get a good photo of Riley and Camden together, but I got this one of her and TG that I love.   Cam's never been too excited about Christmas tree sibling photos.  Here's proof.  Well, that's not quite accurate because there was this year.


Our family Christmas Eve photo.

We got so many cute photos of the kids with their Gigi and Papa before it was time to head out the door.


We went to a service right in their neighborhood. It was very contemporary and quick and the kids absolutely loved it. At the end of the service they dimmed the lights and everyone got to open their present of a glow stick which we then used to play Guitar Hero Christmas carols via the jumbo screen. 

As soon as we got home babies were bathed and Christmas pjs were put on. We were trying to get a photo of the two of them together in their jammies, but Camden was not cooperating. It turned into a TG tickle fest instead.  I love this photo of both of them laughing exactly the same way.

Earlier in the day they baked and decorated tons of Christmas cookies with Gigi. They loved all the shapes, icing and decorations that she had for them to use.

That night they both picked their favorite cookie and left them out with a glass of milk. Thankfully Santa likes heavily decorated sugar cookies.

The last thing to do was put out the magic reindeer food. Will I ever get the camera settings right for that?  We almost forgot to say goodbye to Elfie.  I know I'm a sap, but I'm always a little sad when it's time to pack him up for another year.  He had spent his last day on the tree at Gigi and Papa's overseeing all the fun.




Then we headed up to bed for Christmas stories, kisses and reminders that Santa couldn't come until they were asleep. They were passed out within minutes after no naps during the day.  We wasted no time filling up the tree. If there is such a thing as over loved I think this tree is a good representation of that. Still, there is just something magical about a tree of surprises awaiting little faces in the morning.

They are both so good and even though we could hear them wiggling they stayed quietly in their beds until we went to get them at 7:30.  They let me wash their faces and throw a bow in her hair before they ran to the balcony that overlooks the living room to see if Santa came.  The giggles, shrieks, oohs and ahhs as they discover that Santa visited are one of my favorite things in the world.

We got to work unwrapping and there were new Disney planes Lego's.

And trains in front of the fireplace.

Sweet moments with this happy guy.

Blurry photos of intense joy as she realized she received the gift of her dreams.   It was the Barbie horse that walks on Barbie's command.

And lots of Monster High gifts.

There were Patriots gifts for him.


And the annual angel gift from my mom to me.

After all the gifts were finally open the real fun began.   New blocks became a town for Thomas and friends.


And later we enjoyed the beautiful day trying out Cam's new scooter.

We even took some Christmas day selfies down by the water.

That night we enjoyed Gigi's delicious Christmas dinner with family.  Somehow I didn't get any pictures of the food which is probably TG's favorite part of the day.  From start to finish we had a lovely, lovely Christmas together.