Caris taking a break during Christmas decorating. I love that this picture has some our favorite Christmas decor from the season.: Caris LOVED her 'Elf!!' and our new shelf tradition and our little Santa door hanger was a favorite daily greeter. The pine cones were lil C's own to decorate with and she did great. I put the little pink tree in Caris' room and it was my favorite this year's find. We made a good attempt at an Advent calendar this year, although it was not without it's challenges for our toddler.
We took a trip up to College Station to go with Aunt Alli on a tour Santa's Village and had a hay ride through an amazing light display. Caris LOVED the lights and the dancing. Such a fun little venture that we will definitely have to go back to. 
Christmas jammas!!! Our annual Christmas Eve tradition. Which our family was kind to wait on us for since we drove after Garrett's Christmas Eve shift so we didn't get there until technically Christmas morning...(1:00am). (apparently driving on Christmas Eve is also a tradition....last years was 10 hours in a blizzard; this years was 7 in a rain storm)
This jammies were so so adorable and extra adorable because they were almost identical to a matching set us Jones girls had once-upon a year and the best picture displayed as proof.
Christmas morning!!!! My most magical of childhood memories. We love Christmas mornings filled with lights, surprises, and crepes. I was so excited to begin to introduce Caris to one of my most joyful childhood traditions. She didn't quite get it this year, but she was definitely excited to find a new baby doll, highchair, and her own kitchen waiting for her beneath the lights. And not pictured, a new little table just her size that she LOVES. Grandma Susie and JJ definitely got us in the right direction for Christmas morning. We had a busy, happy, tired girl!
Aunt Shelby's traditional nativity gift. This year's was so fun! Caris can't get enough of playing with 'baby Jesus' and his 'mommy'. Auntie Shelby also gave Caris her own 'Com-Puter' so she fit right in with our Santa treats of iPads and Airbook. Fun!
The matching Patagonia outfits Annabelle gave to her parents. And a happy Mrs. Susie Clause.
Gingerbread house making!! Shortly thereafter this structure collapsed....but it was a brief moment of glory. JJ was on detail duty. Caris was on eating duty....
My little ballerina. She LOVED this little tutu from Auntie TJ. We couldn't get her to take it off....and we may need to find a ballet class soon. Auntie TJ indulged Caris in her girly side and (luckily) gave lil C her very own 'purrshe' / bag and fancy bracelets! She was in love.
Love my Christmas girl. What a joyful morning we had.
Our wonderful celebration with the Blundells! Truly a joyful evening full of Christmas celebrations. I love our 'private' Christmas (as Grammy Jane called it once). We had such a nice dinner, day, and a great evening of family. Caris was really in heaven and loved opening her presents! 
Caris LOVED LOVED her bitty Baby from Grammy. I will never forget the moment she opened it. 'Oh wow. Baby!!'. I don't think she has gone without it in her arms since.
And this is the now infamous 'My Car'. Caris was so so excited upon first opening her car from Aunt Natalie and seeing the picture of what to come. After a rush put-together by Uncle Jordan and Daddy, Caris soon entered her car and pretty much has yet to leave.
Clearly loves her new stool created lovingly by Grandaddy and Grammy. She has been downright obsessed with sitting in stools and tables. Plus check out her adorable outfit Grammy made!
And there it is; our Christmas in pictures. And in apparently a lot more words than I originally intended....We are so thankful for our family and their loving kindness demonstrated in generous form over the holiday season. What wonderful memories we made this year. And I'm so thankful for Caris' fun Aunts and Uncles since I was super boring in my gift selections. Caris has been having such a blast with all her new things! Honestly, as much as I kind of avoid toys and clutter, we needed an age-appropriate upgrade. And I have to add, I really tried to prepare ahead as last year seemed so stressful between travels and preparations. It helped. The lesson I learned this year is where I can simplify. That will be my goal for next year! Let's just say, Caris has all her birthday presents from us still wrapped in Christmas paper...lesson learned. Although there is beauty in the chaos, I think it is easy to overwhelm. The joys I have from Christmas are always found in the simple magic of lights, lounging for two days in new sweatsuits, cooking, and staying put for days. Love these simple joys.
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1 comment:
love/adore this...
love your honesty. 2011 is your year CJB
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