Feliz Navidad!

It has been an exceptionally fun winter break around here!  The Gates family in full joined us in our first Christmas in the new house!  We loved having an action packed household filled with giggles and wine.  :) 

The first day everyone was in town we opted to get out of the house for a bit, knowing the next few days we wouldn't have the chance.  The boys took the girls rock climbing!  Lia had been to this place before, but it was new for Erin, Halle and Julia.  They all did great and had a really fun time.  Todd said that Erin really impressed him with her bravery and abilities.  Go Erin!

Queen of the Mountain!

That night, we took all the kids in the car and went around the neighborhood looking at lights.  This was probably one of my most fun activities.  They were so enchanted with all the lights and excitement was building that Christmas was coming!

GG surprised all the girls with a special gift on Christmas Eve.  They were delighted with their new special dolls and we love that they came from a member of the family as well.  The love passes on for these amazing dolls.  We had printed out little stories about each girl (since the books are a little too mature for them right now) and so they were each able to learn a bit about them before they opened them.  Super fun.  The kids were entertained for 4+ hrs that day just dressing and playing with the dolls.

Christmas Eve night the kids all got a special box with pjs and little treats for a fun movie night.  With matching pjs for their dolls too!

Getting Santa's snacks ready!

Favorite picture of the holidays!

 They all were snuggled in bed and Halle was certain that she heard Santa's bells ringing - She happily told this to Erin and Lia - who were also very excited.  Lia said "Wow, Halle must have a lot of Christmas spirit to hear that!"

Christmas morning!

 The kids were allowed to open their stockings before breakfast and that kept them pretty entertained for awhile.

No one ate anything for breakfast.  :)

It was funny to see the kids opening gifts - Lia and Erin were very much - open, enjoy, be excited, move to next gift.  Halle would open a gift and then sit with it and play for awhile.  She wanted things all the way opened and wanted to relish in it a bit.  It was neat to see their different styles and I can see a little of me in both of those...  :)

The kids were all super happy with their special gifts for Christmas, but Lia was a little disappointed she hadn't opened her Barbie house that she had asked Santa for.  There were a few gifts left, and in that last gift, Lia received a bunch of Barbie accessories with a special note from Santa.  Apparently our living room wasn't big enough for this amazing item so Lia had to go searching.  She was THRILLED with what she found. 

Yes, we were those people on Christmas day - sitting outside burning cardboard....

 

If you ever can't find Lia, she'll be here.

It was a completely amazing time and I love seeing my house full of all the people I love.  I was also quite happy that we didn't run out of food or booze!  Hosting goals accomplished!