First Family Christmas in this House

Outside the wind was blowing and everyone was quick to get in the door.

Joyful anticipation and thankfulness filled the air.

Remembering so clearly the distancing we had to do last year

made this year so much more special!

Tehya was on the phone with her family in Indonesia

and tried to get them into the photo as well. =)

My H and I had already chatted with them and watched them open the parcel sent off months ago.

It is so good to be able to communicate like this,

one thing that has improved greatly in the past few years. 

We had had a pre-christmas party with Tehya earlier 

because she had other plans for Christmas. 

Circumstances changed, so she was still with us on this day.

She has a way of winning everyone's hearts,

including the littlest ones. 

They just adore their older cousin! 

Our time began with appies early afternoon.

We sat down and the kids took turns reading through the Christmas story.

Then we initiated a new gift opening chair.

It is large enough for two and I had to put this one in.

One can't open before the other if the gifts are the same, right?

Teddy's most special gift from her parents was the tiniest,

cutest kitten (meowing in our laundry room)

but she still had a big smile for what she opened here. 

Lacey, our expressive, ever gracious and kind girl.

I can hardly get over how handsome and grown up Landon is getting to be! 

When did this happen?

And then Natalie, who's always ready with a smile.

The boys got right into helping Jack put together his trucks.

We usually serve dinner buffet style, 

but this time we served family style.

I didn't get any feedback on that, but it was worth a try.

After dinner the girls helped me clean up,

the kids went downstairs,

and it was time for the grown up gift exchange.

My most favorite moment of the year.

Then it was time for trifle and cookies.

I love how Koen cares for Jack, sitting beside him, or playing with him

even though he is six years older.

Funny thing, no one had to be begged to eat dessert. 

And as I write this, 

I'm thinking about our baby Jack turning five tomorrow,

but that will be a post for another day. 

The candles burned down and our long awaited day came to an end.

Hearts full of gratefulness for all of our gifts,

one of the greatest being family.

❤❤❤