Christmas: the Eve and the Day

Christmas morning

It's a power-packed couple days, but I really love that our Christmas is pretty much done in two days. All our family celebrations are in Grand Rapids and the schedule has been the same for years - so we don't feel like we have to choose between the families. It's busy, but short enough that the kids (and parents) don't get too overwhelmed.

On Christmas Eve, we had a relaxing day at Grandma's. Fiona and Auntie went out to brunch, Quinn and I ran some errands, Declan took a nap, Daddy and Grandpa went ice fishing. When afternoon nap was deemed a complete failure, we decided to frost the Christmas cookies. Even Dec got in on the action and frosted his own work of art - that he then got to eat!

Otto and Declan

After washing off the frosting, we got ready for the Johnson family Christmas at my cousin Brenda's. We have gone to B's for Christmas Eve forever and it's just part of the holiday tradition now. As soon as we walked in, Dec and Otto had to see each other. I held them both as they chattered and touched each other. And when I put them down, they immediately hugged. So cute! They will be best buds growing up! We barely saw the girls during the party. They were incredibly busy upstairs in the playroom. That is, until Fiona found a snake in a can. Then she was the life of the party, tricking people into opening it and shrieking with glee when the snake popped out.

Christmas morning, we found that Santa had filled everyone's stockings (he leaves a present for each of them under the tree at our house and we open those when we get home). We sang happy birthday to Jesus and then had a lovely time opening the gifts. The kids had a great time and were very excited and grateful for their gifts. Declan seemed to understand it a little bit this year, which was fun to watch.

Sugar high!

After a yummy pancake breakfast and a little bit of playtime, we headed over to Mike's sister's house to celebrate with his family. Grandpa V and Grandma and Grandpa N were all there too! We opened more presents, ate lots of food, played games (Telestrations ... seriously fun), played with new toys, and sang karaoke. My sister headed over to join the karaoke, which was awesome. Quinn was a total ham with the microphone and enjoyed singing way more than any of us expected. She was especially thrilled when Auntie Tracey put on her favorite song (Walk the Moon's Shut Up and Dance with Me). All the boys sang a rousing version of Friends in Low Places and even Dec joined in.

Our kids were getting pretty tired, so we had to cut the karaoke session short. But I'm hoping that becomes an annual part of the holidays!

Sweet Q at Brenda's

Singing karaoke with Dad

Friends in Low Places