Christmasing it up

We had a whirlwind of a Christmas this year, fitting in five festive events in three days, each one picture perfect. We are a lucky crew, I tell you.

Stan Hywet on December 23rd was bustling and so beautiful that one almost didn't notice the cold drizzle.  There was still snow on the ground so we bundled up and pretended it was a nice night out-- and had a grand time.

 And then it was Christmas Eve!

A calm start to the day at home...

Then Christmas lunch with Holly's mom and grandma at Longhorn, then we picked up the kids for a Christmas-on-Christmas-Eve experience at Crestland.

We frosted cookies, did stockings, had brunch for dinner, then opened a bountiful tree-ful of presents.

These sweet kids were well spoiled and had a good time of it.

My sweet sister carries on our mom's Hallmark ornament tradition each year, and included Holly this year.   I was touched.

So glad Jen joined us for the day.

Towards the end of tree presents, I got a text from our friend Kate: "Hey, Dave and I are getting married in about 30 minutes, here's the zoom link if you want to join"  Of course we did!  So we logged on at 6 before heading to church and it was noisy and sweet and just a fun surprise. I love love, and these two are a great example of it. 

Then off to Christmas Eve services.  Without a real church "home" we opted to try the pageant at First Baptist and it did not disappoint.  Real live llamas!  In the church!!

Plus the building is super churchy and beautiful, and the music ws top notch.

And, the show was directed by one of our kids' favorite teachers, Mrs. Preston!

Then back to Superior for our traditional Christmas Eve- 

Candles, cocktails, one present, and readings of David Sedaris'  Six to Eight Black Men and The Night Before Christmas.

All is calm, all is bright...

Home to Crestland for the night and for a "just us"  Christmas morning in the early hours of the 25th...

Then over to Superior before it was light, to start Christmas morning festivitives with the kids.. poor Ivy had been up waiting for 2 hours by the time I arrived... and then had to wait longer for Jack to emerge...

We enjoyed our bounty and a good breakfast and generally trashed the place before running off to NY in our traditional fashion.

Arrived at Claire's right on time for pre-Christmas dinner socializing...

And a lovely meal with the most delicious potatoes and lots of laughter...

One more gift exchange to end the night....

It was such a treat to spend time with all the triplets in one place!  

We gotto see Stephanie's family and Betsey and Peter the next day, and went out for fancy drinks at the Argos with Jamie and Casey and Aimee and Steve.

A quick visit but we fit it all in! Headed home on the 27th to get our little swimmers home in time for their next meet....