This was the first time in (for)ever that my entire family was able to go church together for Christmas. We went to the 7pm service on Christmas Eve, which was basically "midnight mass" for Ruby and Ada, but they enjoyed the music, dancers, and beautiful decorations. (Yes, I'm posting the same picture twice, but I'm pretty proud of myself for forcing everyone to take pictures before we left for church while we were all dressed up!!)
I was expecting R.J. to be up extra, extra early but both girls slept in until after 8 I think! They even had to be prodded a bit to head downstairs where we had hung their stockings we brought with us.
Santa brought a few goodies for each including just what they asked for; Tinkerbell dolls for Ruby and Mickey and Minnie dolls for Ada! We kept it low-key again, but the girls were excited to see the cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer they left out had been nibbled up.
After quite awhile enjoying their stocking presents someone sent Ruby back upstairs to check out the tree and she shouted, "Come here you guys! You gotta see this, there are hundreds of presents!" It makes my heart happy when my girls are so excited and content with what they've been given (of course this isn't always the case, but I'm glad their Christmas expectations were realistic!).
With all of the family visits and celebrations, they by no means lacked gifts, however. They both got a lot of arts and crafts supplies and kits, books, movies, calendars, clothes, and more. Ruby's favorite was probably the Marker Maker we got for her. She saw it
after visiting Santa, but kept talking about it and we figured it was right up our art-lover's alley! Ada loves her Minnie and Mickey dolls from Santa, the "Pickle Me" movie (aka: Despicable Me), and her very own camera (now she doesn't have to swipe Ruby's!). Oh, and Ada also LOVES her chapstick! She double-fists it!
It was also super sweet to see how excited they were to give gifts to each other. I let them each pick something to give to their sister. Ruby gave Ada a light-up toothbrush because she had one and Ada loves it. Ada gave Ruby a Frozen bowl, fork, and spoon because Ruby is always using her bowl, fork, and spoon.
Mom and Dad were spoiled too! This is one of my favs- an ornament with our (STL) house painted on it.
Love all the smiling faces! Wonderful memories for all! "Pickle Me" movie, what a hoot!
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