Christmas

This year we spent Christmas here in our home in Georgia.  It was our first in this new home and Maddy's first making it special.  We do a lot as a family leading up to the day to focus our hearts and minds on the real reason for the season.

I really wanted to minimalize the gifts because one the girls have too much and two like I said I just wanted to focus on the true meaning of the holiday.  We decided to limit our gift giving to one larger present and stockings.  The girls got each other one present too.  The rest we let grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc. send.

Bike helmet from Aunt Mary

It was one of those perfect mornings involving lots of snuggles in bed before heading downstairs.  Thankfully Mara still doesn't get too excited (or frankly remember) when its Christmas so we can still delay the morning some.  We headed downstairs and started opening!

The girls both got bikes from mom & dad as well as a wagon from Grandma and Grandpa.  Aunt Mary came through with a fun Little tikes camper that is still fought over daily.  Nana and Papa gave Mara a cleaning set which she uses daily to help our housekeeper and Maddy loves on the dolly they sent.

Before Christmas Eve Service

Josh and I decided not to exchange this year and gifted each other a handwoven Georgian rug which we bought later that month.  I loved watching Maddy experience the holiday for the first time.  Mara was not into it her first two Christmas's and even was a little overwelmed last year.  But Maddy was all into it and loved pulling the paper off and exploring the gifts!

Matching pjs for Christmas Eve!

Baby's first Christmas

The rest of day was kind of low key.  The kids played and Maddy took her nap.  We headed to church service at 4 and then to a friends house for dinner after.  Dinner was so nice and I was thankful to be able to celebrate with an amazing meal and friends!

Stockings were hung by the chimney with care

Maddy was obsesed with this dolly from Nana and Papa

Christmas kisses from daddy at church