Christmas 2011

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Christmas this year was one to remember – different than years’ past since it was, for the first time ever, just the four of us. Christmas Eve morning, we had snowman pancakes and did a little (per tradition) last minute shopping. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve night with Church, dinner, singing Christmas carols around the piano (one of my favorite Christmas traditions from Christmas Eves at my dad’s house) and opening a few presents, including the special Christmas PJs before bed.We all went to bed so Santa could come . . . actually, Santa was NOT allowed in the house – per Anne Louise.  She is terrified.  TERRIFIED.  In fact, she wrote Santa a note (to be delivered by Homer, our Elf on the Shelf) that said Santa was not allowed in the house, but that Homer could bring in the gifts.  Hilarious.  I should’ve taken a picture.

Christmas morning was exciting, mostly brought on by the joy on the girls’ faces.  They loved the Santa/Homer presents, but we were all super thrilled to get to the airport for our trip to CALIFORNIA (which is, in case you were wondering, where Anne Louise thinks all planes in the air are headed).  The trip to and through the airport were a breeze (if you can call it that travelling with a one and almost three year old) and soon we were flying high.  Baby Spencer slept for at least one of the hours, but AL couldn’t contain her excitement (or her voice level) long enough to calm down to rest.  But we had fun, and thanks to snacks, the new Innopad from Santa, and Patrick (aka Dad of the Year) the SIX HOUR cross-country flight flew by (haha).

We arrived in SFO just in time for Christmas Dinner with Mama and Caroline (who had already been there a few days), Kris and Joan, and Kris’s parents.  Keeping her culinary training in check, Joan made a fabulous roast and my fave yorkshire pudding.  It was a truly joyous day with family.  We all went to bed full, tired, and happy . . . and most of all, blessed.