Christmas at the Brady's

We had a wonderful Christmas at the Brady house. We started the festivities on the night of the 22nd with a few new traditions. I had not wrapped a single gift, so after the girls went to bed we brought up ALL of the gifts, opened a bottle of Evan Williams eggnog (drank it in my grandparents Christmas glasses), and got to wrapping! We were done in no time and had a great time doing it. I was in charge of organizing and gift bags (Christian struggles with the tissue;)), and Christian did the wrapping paper. Then after dinner on the 23rd, we all went to Starbucks (thanks for the idea Jenna), ordered some drinks (C got her first REAL hot chocolate - and LOVED it!), and sat on the couches for a few minutes visiting, until Lily was finished being man-handled. Then we piled in the car and slowly drove through some neighborhoods listening to Christmas music and looking at Christmas lights.

Christmas Eve morning, we went to my parents' for Christmas with my mom's side of the family, and then that evening we were at Christian's mom's for Christmas with the Brady's. We got home about 7:30 and let the girls open one gift from us and play with it a bit. Set out milk and cookies for Santa, and "dumped" out the reindeer food in the yard. Christmas morning, we did Santa here with the girls, and sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus (a tradition I stole from my cousins the Hayes'). Then it was often to mass with my family and then back to my parents for an early Christmas "dinner" and present exchange with my parents. And we finished the day at my Grammy's celebrating with my dad's side of the family.

It was a busy few days, but we had a great time celebrating the holiday with all of our wonderful family! Needless to say.....the 26th was desiginated a "jammie/do nothing day!" However, I broke that rule briefly to run out and grab some great deals on Christmas decorations!

Cecilia loving her Starbucks hot cocoa!

My passing out presents at the Renner party Christmas Eve morning.
My grandpa, Dutch, was the one that used to always do it.

My Aunt Patrice (my godmother) made myself and the girls
matching aprons - each with our names on them!
They are so cute - the picture does not
do them justice. I will have to take another one of them
in action! C had hers on just this morning, helping
me make oatmeal.

The Renner great-grandkids.
Lily was already down for her nap:(

Cecilia showing some of her loot to grandpa.

Lily being silly standing in the box checking out stuff

Cousin Jazmine helping Lily open presents.


Sisters holding hands on the way home Christmas Eve.

At home on Christmas Eve,
Lily getting ready to open her annual Hallmark ornament.


Cecilia's Cinderella ornament - bc she was so into
the Disney princesses this year. I wanted Snow White,
but there was not one:( This one plays music too,
so she will often push the button
and start dancing around the living room!


Cecilia hanging Lily's ornament.
She got a snowflake bc her first birthday party was snowflake
themed, and the picture in it is from her bday party!

Playing with their big gift from us, a light table!


Both totally into it!
It looks much cooler in real life.

Lily preferred sitting on it.

Lily having a ball with her boa!

Sprinkling her reindeer food - which for her
was just dumping in one spot!

What else is in here?

It took her 20 minutes to get through her stocking.
Pulling out each piece of candy one by one, getting
equally excited with each piece!

You can't have Christmas without someone wearing
a bow on their head!

She got a bunch of different animal figurines and right away
put the parrot on her shoulder!

The look on her face when she realized she got her guitar.
For those of you who don't know, she has been asking
for one for MONTHS!!!
I hate that it is a little blurry.

Playing with daddy -
I am not sure who enjoyed this more
Cecilia, Christian, or ME!

Blowing out Baby Jesus's candle.
Cecilia said he wanted a blueberry muffin
and a PINK candle.

The iconic holiday "chair picture at my parents.
I think this is the best one yet!

Lily was back in bed by the time Cecilia got up to do Santa,
and then we had to leave for church as soon as she got up, so Lily
opened her Santa Christmas night!

These are blocks with pictures I put in on each side!
I think they are so cool, and they are a hit
with both girls!

Sitting on the box of another one of her gifts.

These are really cool too.
They are magnetic rods and balls.


Since they are magnetic, their fine motor skills don't have
to be great to make them work, so Lily really
enjoyed them. And Cecilia is able to build things
with them - win win!


They played for quite some time with them.


Cecilia made "dumbbells"


And a microphone for Mazie.

Cecilia singing us a song.

All the girls playing

Mazie getting in on the fun