Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Service

at the oldest church on Capitol Hill

~Christ Church Episcopal~

 Children were invited up to don costumes and participate in the telling of the Christmas Story Pageant.  Ainsley immediately asked to be a shepherd when she heard that. (yes, the only girl shepherd that night, and so completely adorable). Of course, she insisted she didn't need mommy or daddy - at age 2? Already???

 (Auntie Lisa - check out those shoes!)

 When the priest asked the children to put back their costumes, Ains exclaimed in her most charming pouty voice: "But I don't WANT to put back my costume!"  

(you can see who runs the ship in our house... she wore it for the rest of the service!)

 

Christmas Morning!

 

 We had to stop and read, listen to, build, open and play with almost every item before opening the next gift. 

 What a precious heart to truly savor and acknowledge each gift!  Ains even asked "who is this one from?" before opening every box. 

 Because of this, opening presents lasted from 7:30 am until 3:30 pm - with breaks for a big quiche breakfast (go mommy!), playtime, lunch, nap and a viewing of Rudolph worked in between.

 For me? My personal favorite gift from Santa were these gorgeous, soft, warm leg warmers.

Then came ... DINNER!
I baked a spiral cut honey glazed ham.  Yams. And broccoli-bacon salad.  And I didn't burn the house down or lose my mind. And it was delicious!  Guess a little Santa-magic was sprinkled on my kitchen that day. :)