Christmas Day 2015

It was the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except our little Juliet who woke up way more times than usual. I don't know if it was a growth spurt or all of the excitement, but baby girl had this momma up ALL NIGHT LONG. Then, Abby jumped out of bed at 5 am filled with Christmas joy right as I got Juliet back to sleep in her crib. I managed to hold her back with a show and some games on my phone while I took a short nap next to her, but then she woke me up at six unable to wait another minute.

These are some excited little girls! They got all the guys out of bed and waited patiently for everyone to gather round while they started on their stockings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmD6YUIv21I&feature=youtu.be 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JYYg_WN_oA&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVfQFBisip8&feature=youtu.be

If there was a special gift the girls were dreaming they'd find under the tree, it was an American Girl doll. Ella was hoping for Grace and Abby hoped for Mary Ellen. It was such a special gift and they knew it. They were dreaming, but I don't think they expected it to happen. Joe and I couldn't wait to see their faces when they opened them. The moment was especially sweet for me because I had always wanted an American Girl when I was a little girl. Having the chance to give them to our girls was the best. The dolls have been by their sides ever since.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaLPNHX-Ffk&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pqa3Diq6-Q&feature=youtu.be

"What happens at Papa's house stays at Papa's house."

One of my favorite parts of Christmas this year was seeing the looks on the girls' faces as they watched me open the special gifts they made me.

Seriously, is there anything better than this? 

Christmas morning videos always makes me laugh, because they always show just how chaotic the morning becomes when the gift giving gets underway. There is so much excitement and so many voices talking over each other. This year, we even added a Face Time call with Nagymama, so she could be there with us when we opened our gifts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyKncNKUFQ8&feature=youtu.be

With two big dogs around, Ollie needed some moral support when it came to eating breakfast.

Welcome to Grace and Mary Ellen's Sweets and Snack Shoppe!

All smiles over here! Merry Christmas from this little beauty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFSlsLKk2-Y

 The annual Playmobil build with Papa.

Oh those cheeks...

My dad got Joe a really fun little remote control droid that takes photos and videos. The weather was so beautiful that everyone could be outside playing with it after breakfast. My dad and Joe spent at least an hour outside flying it (and crashing it) up and down the street. I only wish I had a video of them learning how to use it. It was really fun to watch. The best part was that my windows were open (due to the crazy 60 degree Christmas Day weather), so I could hear all the fun, laughing and crashing while I prepped the food for lunch.

I had to keep reminding myself that it was Christmas and not Easter, because it felt like spring.

My mom and Casey came for lunch and we feasted. Our table was filled with way too many delicious finger foods and snacks. Then, it was on to round 2 of gifts.

Where it all began....funny face!

Ella decided to decorate Casey!

One of my favorite moments was dessert when we brought out Jesus' birthday cake and Ella led us in song. She surprised us all! :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUcShSCgUuI

 Matching jammies!

When Joe and I gathered our girls (and pup) and snuggled up on the couch for a family picture, we looked at each other with a smile and silent understanding. In that moment, we were blissfully aware of just how full our hands and hearts really are. It was the perfect way to end a sweet sweet day! Merry Christmas from this Cassel crew!