POOR LITTLE PITOOTIE

Know what my very favorite part of Christmas is? I think it's probably late night Christmas Eve, after everyone but Mr. and Mrs. Claus has finally gone to bed, so that the stocking-filling-ritual can finally commence. Mr. Claus just loves that part so, so much.

The Calm Before The Storm

Austin's and Areej's Stockings

Calvin's Stocking & Gift Pile

The next morning, Lex was up not long after me, and came upstairs to start preparing a fabulous Christmas feast for us all. I later asked my hubby if he was sad about not being in charge of breakfast for the first time. Without a moment's hesitation, he replied "Heck No! Best Christmas EVER!"

It seems everyone was dressed for the occasion, except me. 

Guess I'd better go shop the after-Christmas sales, see what I can find for next year, huh?

Little Calvin started out quite jovial, but as the morning progressed, he got more and more mellow...

Loves his new shoes, and his little Daniel Tiger Christmas tree ornament!

Can you believe his mama actually asked Santa to bring him Play-doh and finger paints? What a nice mom!

until finally he burst into tears and became inconsolable. Turns out he was running a fever! We're so thankful he made it through all the best parts before it got too bad, but pretty sad that they had to cut their visit short, and that we didn't get to take him to see the Wimberley Trail of Lights.

Ah well, something to look forward to next year, right?

P.S. We've come a long way, baby. Just for fun, check out this post about one of our very first Christmases here in Wimberley.

MAKING SEASONS BRIGHT

There's nothing like adding a little kid to the mix -- just old enough to be wowed by everything -- to make the season bright again.

No Hallmark movies for this gang! Instead it's the Dr. Who Christmas Special.

Always A Kid At Heart

Everything's A Phone To Him (His parents swear he didn't learn it from them!)

One of the biggest/best surprises this year was that, instead of me assigning each one a dish to bring, my kids got together and divided  the preparation of everything but one thing, including two fabulous brunches, so all I had to prepare was the beef tenderloin! Well, and provide a few beloved specialties from our local bakeries. 

Austin and Areej whip up all the sides for our Christmas Eve feast, plus some German Glühwein to sip on during after-dinner game-time. Papa John eyes the pastry station.

Is there anything better than kids who love to cook?

Beef Tenderloin and Horseradish Sauce, Brie and Bacon Tart, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and a Torchy's Tacos-Inspired Salad

Then it was time to put Little Goober to bed, play a rousing round of the game Telestrations, followed by our traditional Bad-B-Christmas Movie. This year it was El Camino Christmas. Believe me, we've seen worse. I actually made it all the way through this one!

to be continued...