CHRISTMAS

I can't believe that Christmas has already come and gone already. I always get so sad when it is over. I don't want to have to send Brinley back to school, it has been so fun having her home with us. Halle has especially loved having the company. The only good thing about Christmas being over this year is that I am that much closer to my due date! I really can't believe how fast this pregnancy has gone. It really does seem like it has flown by this time! Anyways...We had a good Christmas. We started off Christmas eve with our tradition of the girls opening Christmas pajamas. They were excited to get some new jammies! Then we headed off the Nate's sisters annual Christmas Eve party in the afternoon. She usually has it in the evening, but since a lot of Nate's family wanted to get home early she moved it to the afternoon. Actually it worked out great so we could make it to both of our family parties. It is always stressful trying to get to both parties and deciding which one we will go to first. I think next year we will start rotating so we aren't so stressed!

Brinley and Halle in Christmas Pajamas

The girls were so excited Christmas eve to go to bed! Luckily they went right to sleep so Santa could come early enough! Brinley came into our room at 4:30 and wanted to get up and open presents. We told her that she had to go back to bed until 7:00. I had been up sick most of the night and I just wanted to get some sleep. So she stayed in my bed and talked for another hour, (Nate ended up going into her bed) and she finally feel asleep at about 5:30 after asking every 5 minutes if it was time. Then about 6:45, I rolled over and QUIETLY said her name and she jumped up and asked if it was time to get up. We called Cam and Justin and they were on their way to watch them open their gifts. Grandma Merrell also came down to see them. They were so excited when they saw their presents. Brinley is so dramatic. She would squeal after each present and say it was what she wanted. She is a very easy child to please. Halle was excited, but she didn't have the same reaction as Brinley. It was so fun to see! They got American Girl dolls and Santa had left them sitting out. They were thrilled and they have taken them everywhere we have gone ever since! My mom gave them each some pajamas to match their dolls and that is all they want to wear!

Halle and Brinley wearing their pajamas that match their dolls

Brinley opened a movie that had a sticker from Toys R Us on it. She said to me..."Mom, Santa doesn't make all the toys, this one came from Toys R Us!" It was pretty funny! She is a very observant little girl!

Halle's typical response to opening a present

Christmas morning was spent opening presents, going to my Grandma's breakfast, and visiting all our families here. We all had a great Christmas. Sometimes it is hard having both families in town but then on Christmas I realize that it is kind of nice that we don't have to travel and we can stay in town! I have so many things to be thankful for this year! I have realized how blessed I am, as I look around me. I didn't ever get a Christmas card sent out this year. It just seemed a little more chaotic for some reason, but I hope that you all had a great Christmas! It was fun receive all your cards and catching up on your busy lives as well!