The Rest of Christmas

After spending Christmas morning at home, we headed over to Michael's parents for round two.

The rest of the family waited to open a few gifts until we got there.

I surprised Michael with a new electric razor... he thought he was done opening gifts from me when we left home.

Miriam and Simon got spoiled once again by Grandma, Grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

It was a perfectly paced Christmas for me.

I didn't feel rushed and felt I enjoyed the day.

We all had a very merry Christmas with the Bishop family.

Our First Family Christmas

This year we decided to spend Christmas morning at home with just our family. It was nice to have a low-key, slow paced morning together. The kids slept until 8:30, then we got up and had breakfast. After we got dressed it was time to open presents.

Simon and Miriam were so excited to see what Santa left for them. Miriam knew right away what to do with her presents. Simon on the other hand was unsure at first, but got the hang of it quickly. While each person was opening their present he would yell out, "What is it?". Then when it was open he would yell, "Open it". They both wanted to stop and play with everything right away. I guess that is a sign of successful gift giving. I love being able to see the excitement of my kids. Being a parent during the holidays is wonderful.

I managed to take a couple of videos:

Christmas 1 from Vanessa Bishop on Vimeo.

Christmas 2 from Vanessa Bishop on Vimeo.

Miriam and Simon even had fun when it was time to clean up, which wouldn't have been complete without costumes. Super Simon and Princess Miriam seemed to have a great Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve with Michael's family. We ate a delicious ham dinner, talked about the birth of Jesus, and let the kids play. I forgot to take my camera out the whole time. I really need to do better with that.

When we got home Miriam and Simon exchanged gifts. (Luckily I took pictures.) Before heading to bed they left cookies and a note out for Santa. Christmas really is so much better once you have kids. Their excitement is magical.

Christmas Parade and Christmas List

Last Saturday we went to a small Christmas parade in our town. Miriam and Simon loved seeing all the Christmas decorations on the cars, fire truck, and trains. Miriam waved almost the whole parade. We ended up with more candy then we needed, that's for sure.

Miriam has been kind of funny with her Christmas list this year. She told me what she wanted about a month ago, but ever since then she keeps telling me it is a secret and she can't tell me. Anyone that asks will get the same answer. This week I told her about writing a letter to send to Santa. She let me help her write her list. We are all so excited that Christmas is right around the corner.

Our Visit with Santa

Michael's parents kindly passed along the word that Santa would be visiting the clubhouse in their neighborhood. Since we loved seeing him last year, we decided to take the kids again. This year we had to wait about two hours until it was our turn to sit on Santa's lap. If we go next year we are getting there much earlier.

Miriam and Simon were so good and patient while we waited. I overheard the family in line behind us talking about bringing their children to see (the same) Santa for the past twelve years. He takes the time to talk and listen to each child. Each family is also given the chance to take as many pictures as they would like. This is why it takes so long to get through the line. I feel like it was worth it because it is the only time we will take Miriam and Simon to visit Santa.

It was so fun to see Miriam and Simon's excitement. Seeing Santa is sure a special thing. The association also emailed us a few pictures they took of Santa with our kids.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Being Thankful

We had a nice Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful day and we were able to go outside to take some pictures before adding inches to our waistlines. 

(pretend like this one is in focus)

This is the beautiful Thanksgiving table and decorations. Miriam cut out all the turkey feathers by herself. She then brought them for everyone to write what they were thankful for this year. It is too bad I didn't get any pictures of the food. You will just have to trust me when I say it was delicious.

We have so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving... definitely too numerous to list. However, I just want to mention how thankful I am for my amazing husband. He works so hard for our family. Michael is an amazing father to the two best kids any mom could ask for.