Christmas 2016

We had family outings and activities the whole week of Christmas. It was my goal to do a little more than usual and some of the fun stuff that we haven't been able to do because of the weather or school or baby sister. So we went to a movie and baked and decorated some Christmas things and watched [1/2 of] a Christmas movie every evening. 

My parents rolled into town the afternoon of the 23rd. It was unusually warm weather so we spent some time outside and played...

Boys playing catch.

Grandma and Autumn "walking."

That evening we got all [our version of] fancy and went to church... 

Me and half of my heart... Daddy was on shift.

While I helped the boys, who were serving at the front doors, Autumn hung out with Grandpa and Grandma.

After church we had a nice supper at Jack Allen's Kitchen, then home to get ready for bed...

I had to further document Autumn's adorable Christmas dress as she played with Grandpa later that night...

Three Christmas angels.

The next morning Daddy was able to get home earlier than normal and the boys were excited to come out... 

Stockings and Lego trains.

Autumn found a "birdie" in her stocking.

 Grandma and Grandpa hung out for a bit and watched the action...

Autumn, meet the Lego train. "Uh-oh, train."

After breakfast we got down to the business... 

First present of Christmas always goes to the youngest, an honor that will [ahem] always belong to the little lady.

Autumn's first gift was a firetruck that both the boys played with when they were small. To be honest, I can't remember who originally gave it to us, but it has been a favorite with, now, all three of our babies. Autumn likes things that play music and have wheels and move, so this ought to be a hit. I caught her throughout the day sitting down to play with it and have one moment on video...

Autumn was so funny to watch. She'd cruise in and out of what the boys were doing and occasionally mess with one of them  or steal something. She particularly enjoyed the paper mess and the sticky bows.

Action figures are the latest thing.

The hand-me-down firetruck turned out to be her favorite.

Daddy and Autumn fascinated with the tiny lights.

She sat down there for a few minutes, staring and slightly moving them up and down.

Aaron would periodically sneak over tot he corner and pull out one of his new books.

Adam is into drawing right now.

She's too young to defend herself, or care really.

On that note, Autumn added a true innocence and joy to this year's celebration. Her personality is bursting out at every opportunity and she regularly makes us all smile, laugh, or exclaim her cuteness. She hangs with her brothers better than I ever thought she would and is easily louder and crazier than they were at this age.

Autumn hauled her last gift over to a more private setting and sat down to carefully unwrap it.

The true reason for the season.

My parents returned that afternoon and we had round two of Christmas gifts and play time... 

Then my sister and her family came for supper...

Autumn and Braelynn doing serious work.

Aunt Jenny and Autumn... little did she know, Hope was less than four days away!

Autumn was so sweet and excited about her new quilt from Grandma.

Good Christmas. I still find myself in surreal moments where it is difficult to believe that we have three kids, one being a little girl, and are blanketed with overflowing blessing. At holiday times and milestones it seems to hit me a little bit more. We are truly thankful to sit and watch our three kids run around and be goofy, so loud my head and neck hurt. It really is something.