A Christmas without crying...almost

It's been almost 6 years since I've enjoyed a Christmas without crying, and we were SO close to claiming a cry-free/tantrum-free Christmas again this year. I can't recall exactly why tears were shed at the end of the long day, but Corinne had "a moment" and we lost the title that we were oh so close to clinching. Maybe next year.

However, it was actually a very nice Christmas. Corinne woke up before Taylor and looked downstairs at all of the presents under the tree. With a genuinely shocked tone she said, "I WASN'T on the naughty list!!"

You were close, Rinny. Real close.

And she was equally surprised that there weren't any rocks in her stocking. Santa must have cut her some slack. He was pretty kind to the girls, and they truly got everything they could have even dreamed of asking for. It's pretty humbling to sit back as the girls open their presents from family. They are so loved and yes, spoiled. But they're also grateful. All I heard the day after Christmas was how "lucky"' they are to have this and "lucky" to have that. I corrected them a bit and let them know that they're actually blessed, not lucky. But I think they already knew that.

This year, I hosted the annual Christmas Eve Chinese food feast at our house, and it was so much fun. I think I've always liked Christmas Eve more than Christmas itself, because there's still that bit of anticipation in the air and none of the post-Christmas exhaustion. It's just nice to lounge around and stuff your face.

Christmas day was pretty hectic, but it was definitely easier than in years past. As the girls have gotten older, I've noticed that holidays have become less of a hassle and more enjoyable, thankfully. The only downfall this year was having to drive separate from Wes, since he was on call until the day after Christmas, but Taylor enjoyed driving along side him in the company truck.

We're now facing two weeks of vacation. Mixed emotions on my end. It's nice to have the girls home together and a total pain in the butt at times to keep them entertained it's nice to take it easy in the morning. 

Below are some pics of the holiday shenanigans, along with another fun family photo shoot. I can't wait to buy a few more lenses. Photography is by far my favorite hobby this year.

My nephew, Robby, had his first Christmas Eve with the family and he was a perfect angel. He's such a good baby and brings some of that new baby spirit into the family.

Taylor got a Furby. Auntie JJ and Uncle Jimmy delivered big time, and the girls were elated. A leap pad for Rinny and this robotic owl thingy for Tay.

Another great picture from Laura's wedding. We're going to miss her when she moves to Thailand.

We took one final trip to Magic Mountain with our season passes. We'll renew when we get our taxes back. =/

Aunt Sue and Uncle Mike gave the girls gift cards to Build a Bear. The girls had thee best time getting their animals!

With cousin  Logan and Ma.

The art desk we got for the girls. I think we might have been more excited than them.

Grandma and Grandpa got the girls their Dream Lights. Excited doesn't even begin to describe how they felt about this toy. lol And it's actually as cool as the commercial said. They project all over the ceiling.Now they can stop bugging poor Grandma about them.

Taylor, riding in the passenger seat.