Christmas 2012...

Christmas Eve we had my parents over and started out our Christmas festivities with the 4:30 childrens mass at St. Jude. Ever since I was a little girl we always attended mass on Christmas Eve and although it's usually crowded, as well as stressful with a 6, 4 and 1 year old, it just feels so right taking a moment in all the hustle and bustle to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Getting all dressed up for Church. Zoe loved wearing fancy shoes

Aniela loves to pose for pictures

Trying to get a picture of all 3 of them is always a challenge

The kiddos with Babcia

Following mass my parents came over for a wonderful meal of beet soup that my mom made. I just love barsch (beet soup). I often times wonder why I don't make it more often throughout the year.  Unfortunately my sisters could not make it down this year so with fewer people we decided to change things up and have Raclette; the most amazing creamy, delicate cheese melted over new potatoes...mouth watering.

We actually ate in our dining room for the first time ever.

My mom and dad...Wysoich Swiat!

Drinking sparkling grape juice out of a crystal glass...so fancy

Zoe is done with dinner

Aniela said you have to lift up your pinky with fancy drinks

After dinner we opened gifts from family. Charlie suprised me with my first Camo gear, I'm going to try hunting for the first time next weekend! As well as the xbox kinect. I've always wanted one since we already have an xbox and figured since we don't have the wii it would be great for the kids too.  My cousin Dorota also stopped by with her family for a drink and dessert. 

Opening gifts from family

Daddy helping Zoe out. She didn't know what to think of it all

I'm ready to go hunting...I think!?

My cousin Dorota

Dorota's husband Chris and boys, Phillip and Alex,  helping Charles out with his new gift

Before bedtime Aniela, Charles and Zoe made sure to put out cookies, milk and spinach for Rudolph. We decided to change things up for Rudolph this year, a.k.a...mommy ran out of carrots!

The yummy cookies the kids decorated with daddy

On Christmas morning the kids woke up and ran into our rooms with the usual excitement. It was Charles who snuck a peek at the stocking and excitedly said he could see candy in them. We waited until everyone was ready and came down together. 

After opening our stocking first we took a break and decided to eat breakfast. We like to stretch out the morning a little instead of doing a crazy dash for all the gifts. That way all the shopping, wrapping and craziness of the holidays lasts a little longer than 30 seconds of chaotic present opening.

Opening the stocking

Yummy cinnamon rolls

After we ate, the kids helped seperate the gifts into piles and then we enjoyed taking turns opening them. The kids must have been really good this year because they got the 3 things they asked Santa for and a little extra too.

Everyone wanted to help hand out the gifts

Aniela is just starting to really enjoy legos

What do you get a kid that has so many toys already from previous siblings...a "sensory" rice bin. It was a hit and the older kids love it too. Although the mess it made isn't fun..but worth it!

All the kids got "Stuffies". Thank-you tv commercials for putting that one in their heads! Good thing Santa delivered.

Army boy...don't think he'll take this off for days

The kids had fun playing for a few hours but then it was time to pack up and head to Sterling, Il to have Christmas dinner at Aunt Susanna's house. 

Rebecca and Aniela doing a holiday craft

Charles is excited about Patricks skylanders...even though he has no clue what they are. Uncle Charlie did enjoy playing these with his nephew for 2 days straight. I have a feeling they will be in our near future.

Zofia wanting to be just as cute as that santa statue next to her

Mommy with a drink in hand, hey we gotta get through the holidays somehow...ha!

Granny and Grandpa headed up as well and we continued the gift opening, food eating and celebrating up there. We ended up sleeping over so the cousins could play a little more and we didn't want to feel rushed to drive home before it got too late.

Opening gifts from Granny and Grandpa

The boys got cross bow's and life size bucks. Oh what fun! Now where the heck are we going to put that thing in our house. 

Rudolph the red nose Zoe. They even lit up!

This Christmas we really stopped and took in each moment. The time we have with our children and family is so precious.  Wishing each and every one of our friends and family out there a joyous Christmas...we love you!