Chaos at Christmas, the best kind
So this is a post and photos of just Christmas Day. In some ways it was just the same as always, and in others it was completely different. When we started our family we made a decision that this holiday would generally be spent being relaxed and focused on family. Not running around. Not making sure all the obligations are met. Focusing on our children building consistent memories. So we are most often spending the whole day in the comfort of our own home, with family coming to visit us. This year presented different circumstances.
Christmas Eve the kids saw Grandpa, Grandma J, and Great Grandma (those pictures are in the last post), and they also video chatted with Yana and Poppie (which are planning a Christmas in July for when we are back East).
The morning was similar to every Christmas morning, taking our time, one at a time gift opening, kids being *almost* more excited to give gifts than to receive them. “Santa” (Grandpa dressed as Santa) surprised the kids by stopping by, although Amelia’s retelling of the story went something like this: And then this guy showed up dressed as Santa?! At least she didn’t know it was Grandpa? We had our traditional holiday breakfast of pancakes and bacon, with berries and lots of whipped cream.
This year we left the house though. We joined Aaron’s brothers and family for a outside gathering (one of the benefits of San Diego, can always seem to make something outside work). Getting to be with Grandma and Papa was awesome, and Grandma was so very happy to finally have all her boys together. This was super special for everyone, but especially my kids. They aren’t used to running with a gaggle of cousins at holidays. Nor are they used to the chaos of all the cousins opening presents at the same time. I’m with the kids, I loved the dose of chaos this year.
