Christmas was very memorable this year. Outside of the added stress of moving during Christmastime, it was pretty nice. Nothing like stockings and a Christmas tree to make a place feel like home. From the day we moved in, Quinn kept asking about a Christmas tree. Knowing we wouldn't be able to easily make it to a Christmas tree farm this year, we picked one up at Home Depot while we were getting other project necessities. It was actually a decent tree too. We did our Jesse Tree activities again this year. I took Quinn to Grand Central for our annual gingerbread girl cookies and we went to the church Christmas musical. Quinn went to an indoor Christmas doll display with Jonathan's parents. Quinn requested to celebrate St. Luica day so she delivered cinnamon rolls to us all. Jonathan traveled for work, but we made it fun with an old neighborhood friend coming over to decorate gingerbread houses, Charlie Brown Christmas with popcorn,baking cookies for new neighbors, and painting our nails festive colors. We had a growth group Christmas party and went to Reagan's hot cocoa and cookie decorating birthday party. Archer sneakily ate his weight in frosting. 

Christmas Eve we went to our church service and had some cookie and storytime by the fire in new Christmas jammies. There was some last minute sewing after the kids went to bed because I made the kids bean bag chairs this year. I made the decision and bought the supplies before we decided to move - oops! 

Christmas morning, Quinn woke us up for some snuggles. Then Archer woke up and the present opening began. I was really excited to give Jonathan the surprise painting of our old house by Lindsay Gilmore. It turned out so beautifully sentimental and he loves it. 

I was also really excited to give Quinn my old Samantha doll. She was equally excited. 

Archer got a special lion stuffed animal that has received many kisses and hugs. He also got a tool set that he is obsessed with.

Jonathan got me the perfect mug. It has the phrase "I pledge to lead by example, to be true and brave." on it. I saw it on a soap dish and loved it, but I don't need an expensive soap dish. Luckily, my genius husband printed it on a mug for me to see each morning. 

There were many other fun treats from our generous relatives. Seriously, so generous. This was the year of Star Wars and Doc Mcstuffins for Quinn. The kids have also been enjoying their new musical instruments and Archer is often busy with his trains and key toys.

We went to Jonathan's parents' house after breakfast on Christmas for some celebrating. We went to my parents' that night for more celebrating the next morning. It was nice to take a break from house projects and hang out with family. We went to the new Star Wars movie which was a lot of fun. After we returned to Portland, my sister's family came up and we took the kids to the zoo. Jonathan had the rest of the week off so we just tried to keep a slow pace and enjoy some time as a family.