Christmas . 2013

Christmas this year was celebrated over a period of several days.  And, it was perfect.  The boys had the opportunity to really enjoy each celebration, without being overwhelmed with all the craziness!

Before heading to Papa and Nana's house, we attempted a few family portraits on our Front Porch.  None of the pictures turned out perfectly, but the compilation of them is perfect!

Our first Christmas celebration was with Papa and Nana at their house.  The boys loved opening their presents...and helping everyone else open theirs too!

Grandma Jody and Ann came over to our home the morning of Christmas Eve.  You loved opening presents, and playing with your new toys!

After enjoying a Christmas celebration with Grandma Jody and Ann we headed to MovieGrille to see a showing of "The Polar Express".  The theater has reclining seats and serves meals to you while you watch the show.  We brought along the boys' blankets to be even more comfortable!

We then went to church for the Christmas Eve service.  For the first time, the church decided to use battery-operated candles, over traditional ones.  It was perfect timing for our family, as each of the boys wanted to hold their own candle.

Once home we were all a little tired - Patrick made our Papa Murphys pizzas while Harvick and Jarrett rested with me on the couch.

After dinner the boys opened their stockings!  The boys each got a new pair of pajamas - when Ryder opened his he told us "I've ALWAYS wanted NEW pajamas!" - Patrick says to enjoy that reaction now because in years to come he won't be quite so excited.  Each boy got a few put-it-together toys, a new notepad and pen, and a Kevin Harvick #4 hat!  We spent the rest of the evening playing with the new toys, and just spending time together.  A perfect night!

Our traditional pajama photo in front of our Christmas tree.  The boys all get a kick out of the self-timer feature, and want to take turns setting it up.  Some are better than others at keeping the camera settings exactly where we set them.

On Christmas morning we opened presents - the boys each got their own scooter, a puzzle/game, and a handmade (by Patrick) train tunnel.  We spent the rest of the morning playing, primarily with the trains!

Before leaving the boys rode around in the driveway, practicing their scooter skills.

We enjoyed dinner, opening presents, and playing the piano at Grandpa Jim and Grandma Martha's house Christmas night.

We continued the tradition we started last year, and gave the boys one final present after they were ready for bed - a new book to share.  This year's book was "What Does the Fox Say".  The boys became enamored with the song as soon as they heard it, and quickly learned the different noises.

Last year we took a photo of us reading together - this year we tried again, but all three boys were more aware of the camera.

Christmas this year was spread over several days, which was a perfect way for us to celebrate.  The boys enjoyed opening each present, and genuinely loved spending so much time together.

Merry Christmas!