Austin Christmas 2010

Christmas 2010 in Iowa: Alivia 6y, Addison 4y, Asher 3y

Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful day spent together as a family. Our day began much different than expected. Asher woke us up at 7AM, and then I had to go and wake up the girls! Everyone got in their Christmas outfits and prepared for Mass, then went downstairs to see if Santa had paid us a visit. (I know...Santa and celebrating Jesus' birth are not one of the same!).

The kids started with their stocking before tearing through their presents. Alivia, age 6, was so excited that she would rip through a gift, scream, and then head to the next one. The kids were done opening their stockings and presents within a half hour! It was crazy!

Alivia's favorite things: All her new clothes from Justice, vet set, pillow pet and a pink IPOD
Addison: American Girl bitty baby, pottery barn pram stroller, and pillow pet
Asher: trucks, light saber and space shooter

We went to the 9AM Mass at Saint Columbkille. It was a beautiful, quiet Mass (and Dr. Calderon sat behind us!). So loved being able to sit up front and not contend with the Christmas Eve chaos! So much more peaceful. Asher kept asking, "Where is Jesus?" and I would point to the nativity. Then, he would say, "No, Jesus walking!" He just does not understand yet...and my explanation kept confusing him further. We will have to keep working on that one!

We stopped at home quickly before picking up Grandma Marci and going to Grandma Bet and Boppa Bill's house for the day. Grandma served a wonderful meal followed by a generous supply of presents. The kids were just as excited about their new things from Grandma and Grandpa.

Alivia's Favorites: Polly pockets and pink barbie car
Addison's favorites: American Girl Doll swing and vet set.
Asher's favorites: Golf set, football and t-ball set. Could a boy ask for more? Oh, he loves his new front loader, too, even taking it outside to scoop snow.

It was a fun day with family in a beautiful winter wonderland at the farm. So glad my Grandma Marci, who is 98 years old, was able to make the trip. It would not have been the same without her. We celebrated with the traditional Angel Cake for Jesus' birthday, too. The kids (and adults alike) really like that!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!

Happy Birthday Jesus!