Joy to the World!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, and this year it was extra special with 2 kids (I can hardly believe it sometimes). Here are some of the highlights from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Unfortunately I don't have tons of pictures to share (a) because Mom tends to beat everyone to the punch while taking pictures, and (b) because I was waiting for my fab new camera to arrive and the old one seemed rather boring. I'll have to get more pictures to share from Mom!

Christmas Eve was spent with Chad's side of the family at his Nana's house. It is the one time of the year that his entire family gets together, and it is always a great time with wonderful food and fellowship. Gracie is one of the only little kids, so she gets showered with love and gifts.

Playing her new keyboard from Nana and Gerald.

Nana holding Jack (and Aunt Angel, Jack's Godmother, taking their picture).

Christmas morning, we woke up at our house. Chad and I have talked about this alot, and agree that it our family should wake up in our own beds at our own house on Christmas morning. It's something that my family always did, and it makes it more special. We woke up early and waited for Mimi, Nana, and Gerald to join us before discovering what Santa Claus had brought.

Proof that Santa came!

Our stockings were hung by the chimney with care...
I was so excited because we actually have a chimney to hang them by!

No, Santa did not bring Gracie a tricycle; Uncle Kevin and Aunt Angel did. She was so excited that she wheeled it out to show everyone before she opened any other gifts.

The first of three sets of blocks. Naturally, it was one of the first gifts she opened, and, therefore, did not want to open anything else. She LOVES to build things.

The second set.

Examining the contents of her new babydoll diaper bag.

Coloring on her Aquadoodle.

*For those of you with small children who like art, this is a fabulous toy!! Only draws with water.*

The spoiled girl also received several puzzles, books, play bakings items, amongst other things. Jack received some new clothes, burpcloths, and his first pair of shoes. After a yummy breakfast with our visitors, we headed downto Columbia for a few days to spend time with my side of the family. Auntie Katie was visiting fron Denver (her first Christmas home in 3 years!), and Jack was super excited to meet her! It was the first time in a long time that my entire family was home at the same time, but we didnt' all get there until that afternoon. Since we were all traveling that day, Mom and Dad decided we would celebrate Christmas again on Saturday. Who turns down two visits from Santa?

Gracie hanging out with Daddy.

The Dora castle that Grammy and Papa gave Gracie (for their house) was a big hit! She especially loved the elevator; you pushed a button and the character fell down to the next level. Apparently she thought that Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus would like it too...

Jack in his Christmas pj's.

I made matching pajama pants for the kids, and my good friend Amy was kind enough to monogram their shirts. They were too cute!

Gracie making us "breakfast."

Gracie sharing her new babydoll bottles with her brother. Nothing like a little sibling love...

On Sunday, my aunt and uncle came to Columbia with my Grandma Puza. She just turned 85 years old and still does aerobics every week. Gracie and Jack are her first great-grandchildren, and she loves them to pieces!

Gracie helping Great Grandma open her gifts.

We had such a wonderful first Christmas as a family of four!

Having a healthy, happy family gives us so many reasons to be thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday Baby Jesus, and Merry Christmas everyone!