Merry Christmas...

Cally's First Christmas

Christmas this year started on the Monday before and continued on through the week. My sisters weren't able to make it down for Christmas Eve this year, and with my parents heading to Springfield for Christmas, we had an early celebration with Babcia and Dziadek on Monday. It was a turkey feast and the first exchange of gifts. The kids really enjoyed finally being able to open some up!

Then on Christmas Eve we decorated cookies, made a gingerbread house, and celebrated the traditional Polish Christmas with Granny and Grandpa. The evening started out with the Children's Christmas mass, followed by an amazing meal of beet soup and raclette, then we enjoyed out tradition of opening gifts from family.  It is nice to spread out the gifts the children get. After setting out cookies and soda for Santa (because how much milk can a guy drink in one night!) the kids finally went to bed in anticipation of the next morning.

We did it

With Granny and Grandpa on Wigilia night after mass

Cheers to Jesus!

Gotta try for a nice civil kid photo in our  Christmas church clothes..

...But this is more reality!

Charlie balancing our little camera on a small plastic tripod stand that kept falling over...
we still managed to get a great shot...a true Christmas miracle

Time to open family gifts

Charles couldn't wait to give daddy his gift

Cookies, a carrot and Diet 7-up for Santa before bed

On Christmas morning I was up bright an early in anticipation of the kids waking up  but was  surprised when they didn't stir till 7am! I was so excited to see their faces and reaction to the excitement of Christmas day.  Reliving it through the kids is the best thing ever. Zofia especially was fun to watch because everything she saw or received was followed by the biggest gasp, smile and "i have always wanted this!" So much fun.

Still continuing the Canadian tradition of poppers

Opening the stockings first while mommy gets breakfast ready

Cally's first Christmas

Skylanders

Color wonders

Fashion making set

New sleds...now we just need snow!

After a fun morning playing we packed up the gear and headed to Sterling to celebrate the Watts Christmas at Charlie's sisters house. It was a wonderful day and we enjoyed more food, drinks, gifts and family time.  It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

With the Riley Cousins

Granny and her Grandbabies

Rebecca and Aniela with their new sweaters from Granny and Grandpa

Grandpa loves his Granddogs

Zofia loves cousin Rebecca's dress up clothes

Kinetic Sand fun from Granny and Grandpa