Christmas 2018

Christmas was incredibly fun this year.  Nova is at a wonderful age for all of the festivities - her imagination is primed for magic.  My sole goal was to not disappoint her...too much.  Some disappointment was inevitable.  For example, when we decorated the tree, she stood dismayed. She had just seen Frozen's Olaf's Great Adventure, where Elsa lifts her hand and magically decorates the ballroom.  I really think Nova believed that's what she was going to be doing. I cannot compete with Elsa.

Leading up to Christmas, many preparations were needed. The candy cane cookies were purchased from ALDI for $1.26. The gingerbread house set was $6.99. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? Saving as much money as possible?  Regardless, Nova and I made the cookies, while Lynn and Nova had a great time putting together the Gingerbread house while Mama napped.

Nova picked out five cookies for Santa. We also laid out carrots for the reindeer (like Kaia used to), water and she wrote him a little thank you note (on the orange paper). 

The night before Christmas, the kids opened their "Christmas Eve box" which had new pajamas, dates to eat, sparkling apple cider, and new books.  They read the books with Dad, including The Night Before Christmas before going to bed promptly at 7 pm.

Some photos were unrelated to Santa, but too adorable not to post.

Another case in point. Too adorable.

From Christmas Day, I have a handful of wonderful videos that I will cherish for eternity.

Christmas morning, episode 1 - the children discover that Santa visited.

Christmas morning, episode 2 - Nova uncovers gifts from Santa.

Christmas morning, episode 3 - Lynx uncovers gifts from Santa, with support 

Christmas morning, episode 4 - Lynx puts on his crocs from Ford, Jenn Kaia 

Christmas morning, episode 5 - Opening gifts from Grandpa Lynn 

Christmas morning, episode 6 - Enjoying gifts from Grandpa Lynn

Christmas 2018, episode 7 - Explaining the gifts from Grancy.

It was SO FUN watching them open and play with all of the new gifts!  The necklace she's wearing, and the stamp collection she's enjoying are both from Auntie Brecky.

So much fun!!  All toys pictured above are from the most generous of all Grancies.

For Christmas dinner, we had our friends Toby, Adam and Max over.  They usually go to a Chinese restaurant on Christmas day, so I made Chinese food - teriyaki chicken, Asian green beans and rice.  It was such fun! 

Here they are with all of their goodies!  Such a fun Christmas!