Christmas 2011

We had an amazing Christmas Weekend. On Christmas Eve we celebrated in traditional Polish fashion with my side of the family. My sister Ela came down with her family so the cousins had a blast playing together.

First we went to Mass:

Happy Birthday Jesus

Then we had an amazing meal to which I am still full from:

My mom the cook

Beet soup, baked salmon, polish potato garden salad, sweet cabbage, pierogi= yum!

And lastly we opened gifts from family and of course played the evening away:

Charles ready to open his gifts

Uncle Kevin reading books

Dziadek and Babcia

Gabby, Aniela and Charles (and his favorite thing to do for pictures lately!)

Daddy and Zofia

Mommy and Zofia

When we got home later in the evening we made sure to put out our homemade sugar cookies that the kids baked a few days ago, some carrots for the reindeer and Aniela suggested we change it up and give Santa some chocolate milk this year. Then Charlie took the kids outside to sprinkle the "reindeer food" Charles made at pre-school. Which is basically oatmeal, sprinkles and some glitter so that the reindeer can see the food glistening in the snow, or in our case grass. I am still in denial that it wasn't a white Christmas this year. Of course before going to bed the kids said their goodbyes to our Elf, "Sammy". Aniela was very upset that he was leaving us but thankfully a note from Santa on Christmas morning, reassuring us that he would take good care of Sammy, made everything better.

The icing crew

Perfectly imperfect cookies and oh so good

Once the kids were tucked in Charlie and I got all the presents out, filled the stockings, and got out Santa's note to the kids. All the anticipation over the past month was finally here...

On Christmas morning Aniela and Charles came into our room begging to go downstairs. Of course since Zofia was still sleeping and I wasn't ready with the camera I told them they could watch T.V. with daddy in our room while I got breakfast in the oven and my camera out. A few minutes later Charlie came down with the kids and they were thrilled to see their stockings filled and all the presents under the tree. They were particularly excited about their new sleds. I have no idea how we got by with one rinky dinky plastic sled in Canada but it was definitely time to upgrade...especially since Aniela and Charles are getting bigger. Although as Aniela pointed out, "These sleds are great but we kinda need some snow to use them!" I couldn't help but laugh and reassured her we would get snow soon enough.

Looks like Aniela and Charles were good this year

We may not have snow yet but the kids are still enjoying their sleds

We let Charles and Aniela open their stockings while waiting for Zofia to wake up. Then after breakfast our little baby girl finally decided to join us and it was just in time for the present opening. We took turns opening each gift. Aniela was so cute, as she was looking at her pile of gifts she asked why Santa brought her more than 3 gifts. Since having children Charlie and I had decided that Santa would bring three gifts just like Jesus recieved 3 gifts. Helps keep the excessiveness down during this time of year. Of course we always get a few extra small gifts like a puzzle or a fun t-shirt. I thought it was adorable of Aniela to notice though. She even said that when we write our letter to Santa next year we need to specify that he only needs to pick 3 gifts out from the list they write. I just told her she must have been extra good this year.

Chocolate covered marshmallows before breakfast

Zoe liked playing with her stocking and presents

Santa brought Zofia some mum mum rice crackers and she loved them

When everything was said and done the presents were all a hit. Zofia especially liked all the wrapping paper. I think the biggest hit were the nerf guns. Our home has officially become a combat zone and my rear is often the target! And as many of you can imagine a certain somebody is the biggest kid of them all with these things....

After playing with their toys for a bit we got dressed and headed over to Granny and Grandpas for Christmas dinner. The kids had so much fun playing with their cousins and enjoyed more present opening. The biggest hit from Granny and Grandpa's house was the drum set. The kids love the thing. And although loud I must admit it is fun watching the kids make up their own unique beats or just completely rock out with it.

No drumming for Zofia but she loved her blocks

After a delicious meal of ham, cheesy potatoes and every homemade cookie imaginable we enjoyed lounging around by the fire and just spending time together.

Granny and Grandpa with the kiddos

The Watts Family

Grandpa with Aniela and Zofia...we are so glad his back is getting better everyday!

Later in the evening we packed up the kids and headed home thoroughly tired but in agreement that we were are so blessed to be close to family. As well as thankful that we have the week off to enjoy long mornings in our pajamas, playing with new toys, and just enjoying family time together. Merry Christmas!