Kaden was more interested in the wrapping paper...
and wasn't cooperating for photos by the time everyone was ready for bed. This photo tells it all.
We spent the day making last minute preparations for Christmas itself, including baking Jesus' birthday cake. As per my hubby's request, it was a Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake; but having not used a new springform pan before, it ended up in the bottom of the oven. It was difficult enough to find time to get it made. Then, to have this happen. Sigh. There wasn't time to dwell on it. I gave myself a minute to cry and moved on to the rest of my list.
My big kiddos woke early Christmas morning, but they patiently waited for Kaden to get his breakfast and be in the mood for gifts. It gave my hubby time to read us the Christmas story, too. Then, we dove into stockings and gifts.
It seems like the whole day was over before it even started. The rest of us had a late breakfast, of bacon and Cinnamon Raisin Bread Custard, topped with raspberries, after Kaden laid down for his morning nap and ate an amazing turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, later in the day. My hubby spent some time putting together that basketball goal pictured above. It was a really beautiful day weather-wise. We watched a movie from Ezekiel's Christmas stocking, found places to put all the kiddos' new goodies, and just played inside and out.
We went to my parents' place the day after Christmas to start things all over again with them and my sisters and brother and their spouses and children.
It's been kind of a crazy year for my family, and my time is definitely no longer my own. I know it's all just temporary, and when I do get it back, I'm going to wish I could turn back time. So, I went with the flow and decided not to spend the normal hours and hours and hours hand-making gifts this year. We got all the cousins t-shirts to proudly wear to a game this summer.
Despite the fact that I'm not in any of the pictures above, I really was there. LOL! This is about how we all felt by the end of the stretch.It was such a busy, but blessed, time. Thanks for stopping by! I hope your Christmas was extra special and that you have a safe and memorable New Year! Hugs!