Christmas 2023

This year, we had a quiet Christmas at home. We Skyped with my parents and brother earlier in the day on Christmas Eve. It's not the same as being in person, but I'm thankful for the technology to "see" family when we're so far away. My parents were just here in October, and they have plans to come back maybe in February, so we'll get to see them again soon :)

Since Christmas Eve fell on Sunday this year, we didn't have morning church services, but instead had Christmas Eve services in the last afternoon. Mike {of course} had to be at both services, but the kids and I attended the first service, so that we could see friends both coming and going from both services. 

The candlelight services was wonderful. We sang Christmas songs, had a Christmas message, and then wrapped up with the traditional candle lighting. And the kids did great!

Ready for Christmas Eve service!

I tried my hand at homemade cinnamon rolls this year, so I got those prepped on Christmas Eve night, and then when Mike got home, and we got the kids in bed, we got the gifts set up :)

Ready for Christmas morning!

Christmas morning, we enjoyed cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and then we opened presents! I'm grateful for the kiddos' excitement, but that they don't wake up at crazy hours or require present-opening first thing haha. They definitely rushed through breakfast, but they at least were willing to eat first ;)

Cinnamon rolls didn't turn out half bad

Yes, we did wear matching family Christmas pajamas :)

Most of the day was then spent playing with all the new fun things! We also got to zoom with Granny and Grumpz to say Merry Christmas. We're going to get to see Granny in a few weeks, and we are excited to have her here soon. 

I didn't get any pictures, but we headed over to a friend's house for dinner. We got to spend the evening with some sweet families from the church, enjoying dinner and playing games. 

We have enjoyed having Mike home over Christmas, and having some time to take a break from the busyness of our schedule. We have enjoyed just spending time playing games and building Legos, and reading books. 

Merry Christmas!