+ Snapshots +: Another Christmas Come and Gone

It is hard to believe that Christmas has already come and gone! It feels like we were just in Michigan celebrating Thanksgiving. It seems like this December was especially busy with more running around than usual. I am not sure how I would have gotten it all done if I had not been on maternity leave. I love this time of year but it is exhausting! I can't believe how much shopping, baking, wrapping presents, decorating, and all the other stuff I did this year. I am going to remind myself of how tiring it all is next year the day after Thanksgiving and perhaps set lower expectations for myself. I always think I need to do it all and I would probably enjoy the holidays even more if I just relaxed a little bit :) But, I try to make it a memorable and fun time for my family and hopefully I succeeded. I think the girls had a wonderful Christmas and for the most part got the presents they wanted. I don't think we could have fulfilled all of Kate's Christmas wishes as she seemed to remember something new each day she wanted! We have piles of toys we have even yet to open! Time to go through our play room and donate some old toys. I will be doing a lot of organizing this week! Brian surprised me with getting us a new set of really nice pots/pans from William Sonoma. I say surprise lightly though as the minute I saw the big box in the Williams Sonoma wrapping I guessed what it was. It wasn't even under the tree yet! Bri wasn't too happy. Sorry B...I am the master detective! :) No fooling this lady!

We enjoyed a nice Christmas Eve by going to church with my mom and Grandma and then had a little gathering at my mom's house. Then on Christmas I hosted my mom's side at our place for brunch and in the evening my sister and her family came back over for some good steaks and we had a fun time playing games. Then on Sunday we went to her house for my dad's side of the family. It was wonderful to spend time with everyone. I know the girls had a blast too. Too bad they have to wait so long for next Christmas. I hope everyone reading this also had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. Here are a few pics to remember the past few days' festivities.