Let me tell you what’s depressing. Jumping in the car the morning after Christmas to run a quick errand and finding that the radio station that’s been playing Christmas carols the past month is now streaming dentist office soft rock. Basically John Tesh ruined my day today. But I’m a fighter, so I’ma get it back. (*Note: Wouldn’t suggest editing your Christmas morning pictures to the soundtrack of Little Women either, because I tried it and, listen, things are sentimental enough right now.)
That said, Brett took the week off, and we let Christmas unfold into an entire week of family time–good food and movies and going out strong before shifting to the new year. We’re in no hurry to clean up and jump ahead, so we’re sitting right here, enjoying…
…the last traditions before Christmas day–cookie decorating and our annual trip to see Santa which turned out to be a 4-hour wait, so we canned the big guy and filled the space with family time.
Dash found a pop gun, and I can’t stop laughing at this picture.
Playing Rock, Paper, Scissors with Daddy.
Yes, I’m aware that we met our 2016 plaid quota in one day.
And Christmas Eve…games and movies, appetizers and chocolate cake.
A full couch makes me so happy.
Setting up the reindeer runway…
…and my favorite Christmas Eve scene every year. I put them to sleep together every year on Christmas Eve even thought they don’t usually last that way for the entire night.
My dad and Gary stayed the night Christmas Eve, and we all stayed up late constructing toys and finishing the wrapping. But I always make sure I’m the last one to bed because I love a moment alone on Christmas Eve, with everyone else asleep. I love to take in the scene and think about how special this all is.
Santa’s big gift for the kids is always left with a note and a string to follow.
They lasted until 7:00 Christmas morning before we let them loose. All three are still under the spell of belief.
Reindeer hoof prints in the driveway…
…and love scenes around the tree.
Santa made Lainey climb for her presents this year.
Once Nella opened her Nutella, she ditched all her other gifts. Don’t blame her.
Santa made Dash an honorary policeman this year. There’s been lots of ticket writing and handcuffing since.
I dream in family table scenes. It’s where all the goodness comes out.
There will be many more hours this week of playing restaurant and policeman and Barbies and Legos and soaking up everything that makes life so good.
Cheers to this cozy week cushion between two big celebrations, and all the feels of wrapping up one year and making room for the next.
Happy Christmas, from our family to yours.
Kelle- where did the bowls from the cookie decorating picture come from? I NEED!!
Those are Target!
Merry Christmas to such a beautiful family xxx
Merry Christmas!! Love all your photos…. and stories. I always love the reindeer runway… the hoofs. So cute. Dash in his car…. too cute!
So sweet. Merry Christmas!
Comfort and Joy…. you nailed it. Also – following you on social media… we share a fav Christmas movie (We’re not so perfect… it just that we’re all we’ve got❤️). You should also watch Love, The Coopers if you haven’t yet. Merry Christmas
I also like to spend those last few minutes on Christmas Eve alone with all the magic that it brings. I soak in the soft glow of the lights on the tree and the stillness all around that will soon be filled with laughter, excitement, and noises of crumpling paper. I thought I was the only one that needed that small moment when the rest of my house sleeps. I love seeing my children’s eyes glow with excitement,at times though, I just want to wrap a bit of it around myself like a warm blanket.
Comfort and joy. You nailed it. Also – in reading your blog have discovered that we are movie twins 🙂 “We’re not so perfect. It’s just that we’re all that we’ve got ❤️”. Check out Love the Coopers. Merry Christmas
Hi Kelle,
I remember you posting this earlier, but I cannot find it. Would you please send the link again for Dash’s Fire truck shirt? (Thank you so much).
I
It’s winterwaterfactory.com
Hi Kelle,
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family and Happy New Year. My kids and I love your blog and Insta posts.
Can you tell us where you got Nella’s restaurant set? Thanks so much! ????
Dana
“Nella” and “Nutella” do rhyme, after all…so it’s a match made in heaven!
Wow. I haven’t checked in to this blog in a long time, maybe 4 years. Kelle, you are the reason I took up photography. It wasn’t to become a photographer although I enjoy giving sessions. It was to better capture my family memories AND without realizing it – your words cured my Postpartum depression. I was lost as a mother and coming to this blog and seeing just the sheer joy in the little things….my perspective completely changed. Merry Christmas Kelle. Loved every photo from this post! And I can’t believe how big your kids are getting AND how much your step children have grown up! Blessings to you!
Oh my! Lainey looks six feet tall in this last photo!
What a beautiful image ????