A Very Merry!

Our Christmas morning began at 7AM. With the sounds of jingle bells, Skyler shot out of bed and greeted the entire family with a big smile and that loaded question, "Did Santa come?"  After receiving our morning kisses from the Princess, she quickly went to her advent calendar and placed the final day, #25, Baby Jesus in his reserved spot. Then we sang, "Happy Birthday, Jesus" before opening gifts.

 Unwrapping of the gifts....

Skyler received a much desired blue dress from Auntie Cheryl. It's actually Ariel pajamas! Ever since Daddy took her to see Disney's movie, Frozen, our giddy gal has wanted to wear something similar to the movie's star, Elsa, Princess of Arendelle.

 We could not stop laughing over her excitement...

Before opening any other gifts, a quick ward robe change was in the works!

Stylin'!

The family enjoyed opening gifts from Skyler and other loved ones....

 

 A sweet gift from my employee, Rob....

 Gifts from Auntie Kevie & Uncle Dog....

 Gammey's special gift from Skyler....

 A Pandora Granddaughter charm....

 Santa agreed that Mummy and Daddy were on the Good List, too....

 Beautifully wrapped gifts from my Hubby....

The Princess enjoyed opening her gifts from Santa, Auntie Nic & Uncle Bogie, Auntie Chez & Uncle Charles, Cousin Nikki, Austin & Baby Mason, Cousin Jodi & Dustin and Auntie Kevie & Uncle Dog.

After the last gift was unwrapped, it was PLAY time. I've never seen so many My Little Pony figurines! Auntie Nic played all day with Sky.

 They played so hard that our Princess fell asleep right in the middle of the floor.

 I've never seen my home so busy....

Gammey and Auntie Chez helped Tom prepare a wonderful Christmas dinner. 

Besides a buffet full of fresh vegetables, the Turduken was the highlight of the menu. This savory dish consists of a deboned chicken stuffed into a deboned duck, which in turn is stuffed into a deboned turkey. Sausage complimented each layer as well! It was absolutely amazing!

 A proper English trifle for dessert....

After our lovely feast, we played more with Skyler's new toys and Laney even got in on the action.

It was a big day packed with so much laughter and tons of playing. By the end of the evening our sweet Angel had passed out, again! 

 

After Skyler went to bed, the family enjoyed the warm weather outside and played some games over a few cocktails. It was a Christmas never to be forgotten. Full of magic and overflowing in love! I hope each and everyone of you had a very blessed Christmas with your family and friends.

Not forgetting another holiday tradition is this year's Christmas ornament from Gammey. A sweet picture of the two buddies captured in a blown glass ball. 

The Eve

 

I've always said that God and Family are the two top priorities in OUR life. Tom, Skyler and I were so richly blessed to share the Christmas week with Gammey, Auntie Cheryl, Auntie Nicola and Uncle Bogie. 

Spending quality time together is always lovely, but to share in the Christmas spirit with loved ones just makes it even more golden! I was excited to share our church with my family as we enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Eve service. After church, we relaxed and continued to munch on left overs and tasty desserts. Tom did a fantastic job cooking a prime rib and shrimp dinner with all the fixings before the Christmas Eve service. We ate at 4PM and by 6PM we were singing Christmas carols in our beautifully decorated worship center!   

Auntie Nic and Uncle Bogie arrived to Florida from Idaho on Monday, the 23rd. Gammey and Auntie Chez came over Christmas Eve. Check out one giddy little girl....This was taken at the airport and the other was over the holiday. (just had to share)

 

Before bed, Skyler got Santa's cookies and milk ready and then wished Oh-Ko, the elf, safe travels back to the North Pole.

 For his grand exit, Oh-Ko zip-lined out of our home!

Sky had a conversation with her pixie scout Elf and was a bit sad to see him leave. I reminded the Princess that he'll return next year, November 28th, the morning after Thanksgiving.

Of course, Christmas was magical and I will update you all sometime tomorrow. Love, love, love being with my family!