This Christmas was a lot of fun and this post is a little picture heavy. Trying to think back to last Christmas, it was all a bit of a blur. Constant feedings, diaper changes, spit ups, and heck, Stokes was still on his apnea monitor this time last year. So much has changed from last Christmas through this year. I remember how little time I actually had in between feeding, diapering and pumping and how it took me almost all day just to get the table set for Christmas dinner. We didn't have time to open any gifts until late in the day last year. This triplet thing has gotten a lot easier and it takes a little perspective to realize it.
This year MaSha, Thomas and I took the boys to the Christmas Eve service at our church. Luckily we were able to make it to the 3:00 service so it didn't interfere with dinner or bedtime or anything major (they just had to get up from their afternoon nap a little early). Overall the boys were fairly good during the service, but I had to get up and take Stokes out a few times. He was feeling a little rowdy! I love the candlelight Christmas Eve service when we sing "Silent Night" with just the candles. What a cool moment! Although we went to the 3:00 service, it was really overcast outside and the sanctuary was dark except for the candles and it was a beautiful setting and felt so peaceful. We took a few family pictures after the service was over.
Then for dinner, MaSha made shrimp and grits and our friend, Carole, came over to visit and eat with us. After dinner we watched It's a Wonderful Life (one of my faves!) and went to bed. We didn't want to stay up too late and get in Santa's way! MaSha spent the night with us, which we loved!
Christmas morning we got up, turned on the Christmas music, lit some candles, gave the boys some milk and opened gifts bright and early! The boys loved their new toys and especially loved playing with their new pedal car.
 |
| Our Christmas morning set up |
 |
| Model T Pedal Car |
 |
| Lots of gifts under the tree! |
 |
| Going for the goods! |
 |
| Ryan taking a turn |
 |
| Stokes having fun |
 |
| Such a happy boy |
 |
| Ryan and Da-Da |
 |
| Time to open gifts |
 |
| Stokes with his stocking |
 |
| William with his stocking |
 |
| Ryan with his stocking |
 |
| Thomas with his stocking |
 |
| MaSha with her stocking |
 |
| Me with my stocking |
 |
| Trying to get William to open his gift |
 |
| MaShe helping Stokes unwrap a present |
 |
| William with Mama |
 |
| Ryan and his new PJs |
 |
| Esso and the ginormous bone Santa brought for her |
 |
| Santa brought one for General, too |
 |
| So excited about his treat |
 |
| Such a cutie!! |
After gifts, we had some delicious breakfast, packed up the car while MaSha played with the boys, hugged MaSha and wished her a Merry Christmas, and headed up to Virginia to visit with Thomas's family. Our goal was to hit the road by 10 AM. We were pulling out of the driveway at 10:04. OMG! That never happens. Pretty impressive, if I do say so myself! ;)
The drive up to VA was uneventful and we made it up in great time. As soon as we got there, we unloaded the car, changed the boys' clothes and went straight over to Granddad's house to do the Peery family Christmas afternoon. Peery family Christmas involves opening more presents and dinner at Granddad's house.
 |
| Jerry and Stokes |
 |
| Fifi with Ryan |
 |
| Granddad and William |
 |
| Tree and more gifts |
 |
| William and Thomas |
 |
| William with the Christmas headband |
 |
| Ryan wearing a Santa hat |
 |
| Sweet Leece |
 |
| Stokes with his Mama |
 |
| Mag helping Ryan check out his new toy |
 |
| Stokes was ready to party |
 |
| Leece with the headband |
 |
| The guys - Matt, Thomas, Abby and Ryan |
 |
| Stokes and Leece |
 |
| Thomas and his new PJ pants |
 |
| Granddad with Stokes |
 |
| Leece with one of her Dad's gifts! haha |
 |
| William and Da-Da |
 |
| Abby and Ryan |
 |
| My Stokie |
 |
| Pretty dinner table |
 |
| Abby helping to feed Ryan |
The next day we went back over to Granddad's house for opening presents (round 2) once Taylor, Anna, Ashley and Zack got there.
 |
| Fifi and Stokes |
 |
| Fun for all! |
 |
| Cousins - some weren't into it at this moment |
 |
| Take 2 - still not working |
 |
| Mag and William |
 |
| Thomas and Stokes |
 |
| Tara, Leece, William and Mag |
 |
| Anna - what a sweet little elf |
 |
| Stokes and Da-Da |
 |
| Fifi, Ryan, Tara and Leece |
 |
| Taylor and Stokes...cousin love! |
 |
| Granddad and Stokes |
 |
| Thomas and William |
 |
| Stokes and Thomas |
 |
| Jerry with Ryan |
 |
| Granddad and Taylor |
 |
| What a sweet hug |
The rest of the weekend was spent at Abby's house - hanging out, opening...yep, you guessed it...more gifts! and eating. We had a great time with the family. Like usual, we were all spoiled with way too many presents and we really enjoyed getting spoiled with attention and love.
 |
| Ashley with the kiddos |
 |
| He is so precious! |
 |
| Ryan with his Mama |
 |
| Ashley and Leece |
 |
| William with Uncle Matt |
 |
| Leece and her "sister", Madras |
 |
| Opening more presents |
 |
| William, Corduroy Bear and Thomas |
 |
Zack, Thomas, Abby and Matt - making sure the fire is
going strong for days on end. |
On Saturday we got to celebrate Taylor's 9th birthday a day early! She got a special birthday breakfast with a "9" candle.
 |
| Making a birthday wish |
 |
| Blowing out her candle |
 |
| Stokie |
 |
| Ryan |
 |
| Anna and William |
 |
| William with Madra |
 |
| Leece, Madras and William |
 |
| Sweet boy and a sweet dog |
No comments:
Post a Comment