Merry Christmas 2012 : Laikyn's 1st Christmas!

This year we kicked off our family celebration on Friday with a trip to Santa Claus, Indiana to drive through the light display at Lake Rudolph. Laikyn snuggled in my lap and really enjoyed it all with lots of pointing and "ooh lights" coming from her mouth. At the end we went to the Christmas Village store to have our picture made with Santa. I completely expected to only have 2 kids in the pic as Laikyn has been terrified of him so far. As she stood in line and watched other babies be okay with him, she decided it was safe. She hopped right into his lap and made the cutest picture.The sweetest part was when Santa reminded the kids of the true meaning of Christmas. Mommy had fun shopping while daddy took the kids for cocoa, fudge, and giant cookies at the sweet shop.

On Saturday,we hosted my side of the family. We had 25 people present this year. Lisa and crew weren't able to come. It was a fun day as usual. The 13 kids had a blast together and got along very well which gave the adults lots of time to catch up. The kids had a gift exchange from drawing names while the adults played Dirty Santa. I started out with ear and nose trimmers, until Steve stole it from me! LOL! My final gift was lotion.

Sunday we started the day attending church. Kevin's family was able to join us since they stayed all night with dad. We had lunch at the Patio along with our pastor and his mom and sister. Sunday afternoon, we hosted Rob's side of the family. Another fun celebration, but hosting two days in a row wiped me out. I thought of Grandad's old saying, "The prettiest lights at Christmas are tail lights!" Lol!

Christmas Eve we woke up to notes from Chris Elf and Santa. He was nice enough to come early since Daddy had to work on Christmas Day! The kids each had a gift,new pjs and a stocking full of candy. He gave Laikyn board books, Jillian a jewelry box and Korbin got the Elf on a Shelf movie. Santa wanted him to be able to remember Chris Elf all year long! We were all set to open our family gifts when we discovered big bro was gone. He had been called into work early in the morning to make more fruit baskets! This is the store where he has worked through high school and half of college.He quit when he went to college, but they used him again for Christmas. We had to delay the kids for a couple of hours. We passed the time by making a big breakfast casserole. Grandad came by and ate with us. When Brandon got home, we finished our gift opening. Laikyn got a Minnie kitchen, big wheel, coat, Minnie guitar and puzzles. Korbin got a Leap pad Explorer, Twilight Turtle, books, and Wreck it Ralph figures (Grandad made him mad by calling them dolls). Jillian got a body pillow, iPod dock and case,UK clothes, books, and her favorite, a pogo stick. She is wicked on that thing! Brandon got cash!! Boring but needed! We finished the day with a trip to the nursing home with our church to have a service with the residents. Laikyn was eager to take their hands and blow kisses! I noticed that one resident in particular who didn't respond to anyone else, turned and looked right in Laikyn's eyes when she took her hand. So precious! The very young ministering to the elderly.

Today is Christmas Day and since dad had to work, we are being lazy and watching movies as well as playing with our toys. We are also waiting anxiously to see if we will have the snowfall that is forecasted for tonight into tomorrow. It has been a wonderful Christmas with much to be thankful for this year with the homecoming of our precious baby and most especially the gift of Jesus' presence in our lives each day.