*We had our 7th annual Christmas party on December 9th. It's crazy how much the event has changed since our first all adult party. The backyard complete with a mini bounce house and lots of toys looked like a day care, while the family room served as the nursery, the kitchen was the restaurant, and the garage the frat house! It was such a fun night. We are so grateful for the family and friends in our lives that make our life that much fuller and complete.
*We went to Disneyland to spend time with the characters and enjoy the Christmas decorations one last time. I took the day off from work. Clayton and Chloe had a blast, as usual!
*My dad (AKA Papa Jim) took all of us to Fleming's for our annual Christmas dinner. It was a beautiful evening. All three little ones were well behaved and quiet, which made it that much more enjoyable for all of us. Thank you Dad and Mom for always planning this special night for us.
*Papa Jim and Nonnie took Clayton and Chloe to Downtown Disney to Build-A-Bear. Clayton went right toward Snoopy and Chloe wanted Smurfette. They love their new stuffed animals! We then had dinner at Goofy's Kitchen, which was really cute. Clayton made friends with all of the characters, but Chloe was a little more shy. The highlight of the night was watching Clayton and Chloe dance to the hip hop carolers. They stole the show as they performed their cute little dance moves. It was so priceless!
*We took the train at Irvine Park to see Santa with both sets of grandparents and Ryan's brother and his family. We had a good time, but it was really cold.
*The next night we took Clayton and Chloe to see Christmas lights with our good friends, The Kline's and McKinney's. It was so nice to see Nate, Amy, and Paige and spend quality time together with our friends.
*Papa Louie and Grammie took Clayton and Chloe to the train exhibit at The Nixon Library. Clayton was in train heaven. He loved all of the trains. It's a pretty dynamic display and probably will be an annual visit with Papa Louie and Grammie!
*We had a beautiful Christmas with Ryan's family on December 23rd. Clayton and Chloe were spoiled with presents as were we. Dinner and dessert were delicious, but the special time together even better.
*We went to Christmas Eve Mass, which is my favorite mass. Clayton and Chloe were definitely busy (I think they prefer the nursery, rather than sitting in church for an hour!), but overall they did pretty well. We then came home and had a delicious dinner with Papa Jim, Nonnie, Grammie, and Gigi. We all opened up our Christmas Eve present, which were special jammies. Ryan's mom stayed late to help Ryan build the kitchen I stressed so much over to find. It took them three hours, but was so worth it. I am so thankful for my amazing mother in law! While they busily built, I got everything else ready. I think I've decided being the parent who gives gifts is so much better than the child receiving!
*Christmas morning was perfect. Clayton saw his train and immediately said "choo choo," while Chloe went straight for her dolly. They both absolutely loved their new kitchen and still do. Ryan and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Both sets of grandparents came over for breakfast and to see what Santa brought. It was a really joyful morning full of smiles and love. After naps we went to my parents' house. Clayton and Chloe were once again spoiled with lots of new toys and clothes. Dinner and dessert were delicious too! It was a full, exhausting day, but absolutely perfect.
*Our Christmas celebrations ended with the Kuntz family Christmas at my parents' house the next day. Clayton and Chloe had fun playing with their cousins and seeing their family.
It was a crazy couple of weeks, but every minute was perfect. I am so grateful for the beautiful family God has entrusted me to love. The celebration of His birthday brought so much joy and laughter to us and I know it will continue to each and every year. Merry Christmas! Here's some pictures that captured our holiday adventures...
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