Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Christmas 2013...

There's nothing like being home for the holidays....



After breakfast on Christmas Eve we let the kids open their gifts from us. They loved their new sleeping bags, pj's and head lamps.




At 4:30 we attended the children's mass at St. Jude Church and then headed to Babcia and Dziadek's house for a traditional Polish Wigilia. Both my sisters and their families came in for Christmas this year. There was even a puppy thrown in the mix since my sister, Danuta, just got a precious 8 week pup. You can imagine the complete and utter chaos and noise level at my parents house. We just kept drinking to get through it...ha. Although honestly it wouldn't feel like Christmas without it!
The table is set

Tomasz, Gabby, Celina, Jozef, Charles and Aniela making a train parade



Aiden helping Charles open a gift

Charlie with his baby girl

Aniela and Gabby

Let the gift opening commence


Beautiful Babcia





When we got home that night the kids each picked out a cookie for Santa, put out milk to wash it all down and of course there was a carrot for the reindeer. They begged to sleep in their new sleeping bags and we just couldn't say no. With all the excitement from the evening  it didn't take long for them to fall asleep.
So grown up and taking the lead in putting out the cookies and milk



On Christmas Morning the kids woke up at 6 and came down with such excitement. Aniela stood for about a minute with her mouth dropped open staring at all the gifts, Charles couldn't believe that Santa had actually come and Zofia barged into the room saying, "oh my goodness!"

We opened stockings first...
The stockings were filled


How ironic: Aniela holding her new toothbrush and toothpaste while Zofia eats a laffy taffy

Clean teeth for our kiddos this year

Then we filled our tummies with cinnamon rolls and breakfast casserole followed by gift opening from  Santa...







I don't know what Santa was thinking...real tools!


Charles using his very own screw driver to put together Zofia's new doll bed



Our artist was thrilled with her new easel set


Later in the afternoon Charlie's family came in. We hosted this year and enjoyed a nice Turkey meal and more gift opening from Granny and Grandpa.

Carrying on a tradition from Canada




I just love this picture. New Nerf gun from Granny and Grandpa and a nice camo infinity scarf from our niece, Rebecca.  Then accessorize with a pink crown and safety goggles and there you have it...kinda looks like George Michael...ha!

Charlie enjoying an all out Nerf gun war with Charles and Patrick

When you have brothers you also have to arm yourself...thanks Granny and Grandpa
Then there's Zofia. This picture sums it up. Here she is holding a boo boo bear to her head. Oh how overwhelming Christmas must be to a 2 year old. 

It was such an incredible few days of celebrating. I just love Christmas and seeing the joy it brings to the kids.  Happy Birthday Jesus!

1 comment:

Pam said...

A very Merry Christmas for all! Enjoy these precious years....they go so fast! Christmas brings out the playful side of Charlie for sure! Gotta love it.

Love you all,
Granny and Grandpa