Christmas at Home

We experienced a very traditional and relaxing Christmas at home this year.  Since we had gathered to celebrate with family earlier in the month, we did not have to travel for Christmas.  Papa joined us for Christmas, and Grandma and some family joined us later for New Years.  I love being at home for Christmas so that our kids can experience the magic of waking up on Christmas morning in their own home and seeing their presents around their own tree.  Christmas was such a magical time for our little Mattox who had really discovered the magic of Santa and presents.  I know they won't always believe in magic and make believe so I want to treasure this special time with them.  

I showed Mattox that "Hohoho" came to his house and brought presents.  

The presents were left, the cookies and milk eaten, and a letter was left for the boys.  

Their little present piles.  Evan's was the smallest although the most expensive.  Sigh.  

A lot of Evan's gifts were unseen since they were downloaded games for his new PS4. Mattox and Grayson needed to experience the magic of seeing some big presents for them.  Mattox received the beloved skateboard he asked for with a helmet and a new tool bench.  Grayson immediately climbed on his little bouncy horse. They also got some special matching chairs. 

Brody read Santa's letter while waiting to open his presents. 

Evan opened his big gift, and Brody opened a special Harry Potter wand that works with his tablet so that you can code your own spells.  I thought Evan would also enjoy this one. 

Mattox opened his other asked for gift...a guitar.  It was a little ukulele that he had found at TJ Maxx.  He asked for the guitar all month. 

He looks like a cowboy playing his guitar on his horse. Grayson is also going to be in Mattox's band as the drummer.  

Discovering his new drums and his own little toolbox set. 

Mattox isn't too sure about wearing his helmet but safety first! 

Brody also received a special light tracing pad to practice his art skills.  

Brody is ready to open his stocking with a little help from Mattox. 

Daddy helped Mattox open his stocking. 

Papa helps Grayson with his stocking. 

After opening the presents from Santa, we opened some gifts from family.  Evan got started playing his new PS4 with his neighbor friend who came over. 

Brody received some new games for his WiiU.  I wanted to encourage him to do something  more active so he was excited about his dancing and singing games. 

Grayson received some new musical instruments because all of our old ones had broken or disappeared over the years.  Mattox received a new t-ball stand in hopes of getting ready to play t-ball.  We decided to wait another year because of his difficulties with talking.  Evan received PS4 games from grandparents. 

I love watching these boys on Christmas. 

Papa received some presents from us, but like us, his main present is getting to watch his grandkids play. 

The nerf gun isn't new, but Evan and Brody received a shared gift of some accessories and extra bullets since those disappear quickly. Brody looks like a bad guy wearing his vest and face mask. 

Mommy finally bit the bullet and got a fitbit.  Sadly, she hasn't been all that impressed as it seems unreliable in its step counting.  It actually counts arms movements instead of leg movements so just wave your arms around and you have done a lot of exercise.  Haha! I think Grayson had been sampling some of his Christmas candy. 

After a long morning, Mattox decided it was time for a Christmas nap.

Later, the rest of the family joined us for more Christmas festivities.  Grady received a little hunting bow and arrow set from us.  Aunt Naomi loved her new necklace.

The other boys received some fun gifts from Aunt Naomi and Uncle Scott. 

Grandma opened her gifts from us. 

  

After presents were opened, the boys gathered to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and blow out his candles. 

Enjoying some yummy pound cake for Jesus. 

I love these boys!

I finally took pictures of our Christmas lights before they came down.  We actually found the little Christmas trees and deer in our attic that had apparently been left by the previous homeowners. 

We all said goodbye to our little deer family.