Christmas 2014

I don't understand how it's almost the end of January.  December came and went in the blink of an eye this year. We celebrated our Reeves Christmas on December 13 since this was our Onterrible Christmas year.  Unfortunately, I got very few pictures.  I found myself trying to be in the moment rather than documenting it for a change.  

  

Since we had so much going on and things snuck up on me, I didn't even dig out all the Christmas decorations from under the stairs this year. (for those who know me well, this is definitely a first!)  I kept telling Bradyn that it would be OK because I was certain that Nana's house would be 'puking' Christmas, and we'd get our fill of decorations there.  Bradyn had seen this Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the Save On Foods flyer in November and just had to have it - I was happy to oblige because it meant I didn't have to go digging for our little tree.  This, along with my beloved snowman (which I did pull out) and some table coverings, were pretty much it for our decorations this year.  Bah Humbug!

As in previous years, the kids in Bradyn's school got to decorate gingerbread houses the week before school was out.  I love the way she wanted to display our snowflake tea towel as the backdrop.

Despite the chaos up to Christmas, I did keep asking Bradyn when she was going to write her letter to Santa.  She kept saying 'later'.  'Later' turned out to be during our layover in the Calgary airport on our way to London for Christmas December 19.  

Is this not adorable? (she was going to beg for her family to be healthy but lost her train of thought LOL)

When we got to London and spent some time at the Moody's, one of the big highlights for Bradyn was Just Dance on the X-Box.  It was so much fun watching the kids dancing away and working up a good sweat.

On the Monday night before Christmas, mom, dad, Kevin, Bradyn and I went out for Chinese food and then went driving around looking at Christmas lights.  This place in Dorchester was the BOMB!  We all sat in the truck and watched the Christmas trees singing to the music that was piped in on an FM station in the truck.  Lights were flashing all over the place. 

Can you see Santa in the top left window?  I knew it wasn't real, but it sure took a lot of convincing.  The light projection and the way the image moved around was incredible.  This place was awesome!

Bradyn has been talking about getting her ears pierced for a very long time.  We finally settled on the plan to get them done with Kiera when we were in London.  Things with Bradyn didn't quite go as planned (she got scared) and she would NOT let me take any pictures.  Kiera, however, was a rock and was all smiles for her before and after photos.

Nice photo bomb Robee.

After a quick lunch at Subway, we headed to the mall to see Santa.  Promises of an ice-cream payoff worked again, and we got a great group shot. 

You may recall my Christmas Eve tradition with the kids - new PJs!  Leading up to Christmas, I love that they all ask if I'm going to get them new pyjamas for Christmas, and if they're going to match.  The little monkeys were sooo excited to open their gifts.  I had a big secret, and really enjoyed watching them open their gifts and watching their faces as they slowly figured things out.....

BEST.  PJs.  EVER!!!!  I was a little worried that Robee would be mortified that I got him the same PJs as the girls, but he thought it was great.  With the Santa hats, these guys looked absolutely adorable.  I'm wondering if it's time to hang-up the PJ tradition.... how am I going to top this??

Can't forget a note for Santa.

Yet another tradition - Kiera reading 'The Night Before Christmas'.

I think Bradyn was pretty happy with what Santa brought her this year.  The Star Wars: Jedi Academy #2: Return of the Padawan book...

Zoomer and Spot (robotic dogs)...

and a Sketch Wizard.

I love this picture of dad - just sitting back and surveying the situation.

Nana and Grandpa Bill

Absolutely adorable to see the 'triplets' running around and handing out gifts.

Dancing on Christmas afternoon with Uncle Jason.

Chilling out later in the week with Robee.

Bedtime stories in Robee's loft bed.

Photo with Bradyn's beloved Lovely

Bradyn and I were both pretty disappointed that we had a green Christmas this year.  I mean really - all that snow they got a week after we left couldn't have moved in 2 weeks earlier???  I know Kevin was happy, but Bradyn was really looking forward to building a snow fort.  There's always 2016....

Thank you to all of our family for 2 great Christmases this year.  We all got spoiled and really enjoyed being together.  Love you lots.  xoxoxo