Christmas at Nana and Poppy's

For the past several years, we have had Christmas with my immediate family on Christmas Eve, between the White's and Hughes' getting together.  We feel very blessed that we still have so much family to visit around the Holidays.  We have to remind ourselves of that as we are driving around the country (quite literally) going from house to house ;)

The last few years have gotten especially more hurried, with my parents and siblings, as we have added 5 grandchildren to the mix in just 3 1/2 years.  Gift opening had turned in to, "Here...open this one...now this one.  No time to open or play with any toys now."  Quick thank you's and hugs and we jumped in cars and headed to our next extended family get together.  So, this year, my parents very graciously offered to move our Christmas to another time altogether.  Which, as it turns out, was just wonderful! 

 We went to our church and then headed to Nana and Poppy's house.  I do love taking pictures with my new family of four.  I'm just a little proud ;)

The table was beautifully decorated with my parent's finest china.

Addison, Hadley, and Levi partaking of the delicious food.  My mom actually made an entire Christmas meal, complete with traditional dishes from the White's and Hughes'. 

In keeping with a longtime family tradition, Poppy read some Christmas books to the grandchildren.  These were the only two we could corale long enough to sit down and listen.  Tiffany, Bradley, and I always looked forward to our Christmas Eve readings right before bedtime.

Sweet Canaan even listened to Poppy's stories.

We have been so excited about my parent's surprise gift, that we had to let them open it first.  A picture with all their grandbabies.  They were so proud that they even wiped some tears away.

Angie, Bradley, and Levi got Hadley the cutest Boots hat. 

Addison and Hadley both got a LeapPad Explorer 2 and their very first American Girl Doll, a Bitty Baby.  And, yes, Bitty has blonde hair and blue eyes just like Hadley.  Nana and Poppy were way too gracious to us.



The girls had so much fun "exploring" on their new LeapPads the rest of the afternoon.  We were so thankful for such a relaxing day to just enjoy one another's company and let the kiddos play with their new toys.  Thankful for sweet family time!