Its Christmas Eve in Connecticut - the one place where I believe our chances of getting a white Chistmas are relatively high and what happens this year. It rains. Wait, IT POURS. It is literally disgusting. We were doing last minute errands and getting totally soaked. Our family had a late breakfast at dish and dat (horrible idea as its in our Canton shopping mall were LOTS of folks were getting last minute stuff) so new tradition please!
The Carlson/Charron/Leadbetter family all met at the West Avon Congregational Church for their LIVE Nativity Christmas. It was put on by their youth and had sheep, bunnies, goats, (almost a live baby, but they opted for a doll at the last second - those babies sure are unpredictable!) No Church photos, only memories. Now onto some family time at our house - seafood casserole, lobster bisque and fish sticks - yum for all!(good tradition!)
Here we are at the dinner tables - kids table and all. I am so grateful to have a home that we can all gather at and feel truly at home and comfortable.
Even Jackson found a god place to relax
Yup, they were the Fish Stick eaters...
we held onto the bisque =)
That night my folks (after a few glasses of wine) offered to host us all at their house for Christmas as well as Saturday night when Liz would arrive with Winslow and Sebastian. Loved their enthusiasm, but it might have been wine induced. When we talked to them the next day we said we were happy to have folks back to out house and it was sweet to see a bit of relief in my moms face as I think she was not dreaming of sugar plums - but 6-8 grand kids running through her home! My dad brought the Christmas Lamb and Ham over and Chris made it all happen!
But wait - there is more Christmas Eve excitement
Who should stop by?!?!
Hugs all around for this busy guy.
If only we could capture the true wonder in their eyes
Santa had just finished delivering gifts to all the German boys and girls and managed to squeeze in some time to bring the Magic to us.
Glad I thought to snap a photo with my sister too. I think we have one that looks rather similar - from just a few years ago...
Now a little snuggle time with Home Alone - another soon to be Christmas tradition. I have found memories of seeing this movie in the theatres with my family to include my grandfather. So fun to watch the movie again through my kids eyes. Their bellie laughs are fabulous! (and they make sure to get ready and out the door on time for fear of being left behind!! Works 2 fold)
look at that toothy grin - I think he has more teeth than Nick!
Well here is it Christmas morning. At 6:45 Nick came into my room literally springing with excitment. I cuddled him in bed for 15 more minutes - cuddles is a strong word, it was really tying down a caged animal. Finally they were off and running. The stocking first and now the tree.
Had to savor the beauty before a different kind of beauty unfolded.
Monster truck for the monster - rather appropriate if I do say so myself.
Another interesting selection
The cousins came over later for their gift exchange too.
Always a treat watching them exchange for eachother
This was the favorite opening of all. Stacie went to the Patriots store COUNTLESS times in search of this hat - there was finally ONE in stock and only because the lady in front of her was returning it!
Needless to say, it was the gift of the year.
very very very genuine smile.
3 hats for 3 ladies
I do love it when the adults take over the kid games.
Well after a few days of food, family, gifts and celebration, this weather made us want to celebrate the big outdoors too.
my sister's family loves to hike as well. So we found Endures forest with some awesome natural water slides. My sister and I actually came here while in high school (although my memory doesn't seem to go back that far...) it was a BEAUTIFUL and warm day for a family hike (and MUCH needed!)
Nice timer action Stosh!
Jay's version of Ansel Adams - impressive
This fallen tree could have occupied them for hours...
See what I mean?
Loved loved loved the family time together. No scheduled activities, just free time for the cousins to get to know each other better and celebrate. It was a wonderful first start to some great traditions we hope to carry through the years. Love the Carlson/Charron/Leadbetter Christmas.
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