…was full of babies,
and small people,
(it’s a good thing my niece got a vacuum for Christmas, because these get-togethers are always so messy. 
)
candles,
present-opening at other people’s houses,
and at our own,
cinnamon rolls,
a fancier table than usual,
(my poor neglected china doesn’t see the light of day very often)
yummy, not-traditional Christmas food,
and a serious session of silly-face-making during dinner.
I hope your celebration was delightful too. 
(Details about some of the presents we bought for the kids will be in a forthcoming post. I just didn’t want to make this one too long!)
______________________________
Joshua’s 365 post: I do this every year…
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like you had a great Christmas. My family enjoys the sparkling grape juice too! The kids get a kick out of drinking it in fancy glasses while wearing their paper crowns from their Christmas crackers.
Sounds lovely! Ours was also full of children, delicious food, a toy vacuum, and good times! Thank you for sharing!
http://amysreallife.wordpress.com
Great pics, Kristen. I so miss little kids at Christmas! It’s quiet when your youngest is almost 16.
!
You have to at least tell us what Joshua was SO excited about
Oh, that was his waterproof camera cover. I’ll tell you a little more about it in a future post! And I’m sure you’ll see underwater photos on his blog too.
Wow, that last picture of Lisey looks just like you! Looks like a fun Christmas was had by all!
Gee, I’m so complimented by that, I just don’t know what to say.
It looks like everyone had a great time! Happy Holidays Kristen to you and yours.
I like your china. Mine doesn’t get to see much use but I did buy a pretty hutch last year around Christmas to display it all year. Thanksgiving and East are usually when they get to come out and visit. I bought the set from Salvation Army. I waited patiently for a month because they mark it down by 50%. I went in so the 92 piece set was now $45. I offered $35 and she turned me down and I turned around to walk away and she relented! I was being very frugal and tough. Just a little frugal story to enlighten your day.
Easter*
Oh and the hutch was a Craigslist find. There isn’t much “new” stuff in my house. That would not be near as much fun as treasure hunting!
Your kids are so good looking!
I like your china! I try to use our wedding china more than two or three times a year. Sometimes it is fun to celebrate birthdays or other special ocassions with china.
Looks like you had a lovely celebration together! And your four Little Ones, Kristen, are suddenly looking … well, not so little anymore!
Did Joshua fold the origami tree? That looks like such a fun project
Lisey actually folded that. Isn’t it cute?
And yeah, I know…my little crew is getting to be awfully big these days.
I did a double-take when you posted the photo of Zoe up, Kristen. She looks SO mature and SO big. They’re growing up so fast!
I really want to put a caption on that picture of Joshua holding up his glass but I can’t think of anything clever enough. Also, I can see he is getting good at avoiding sister-hugs.
I’d love to see instructions on how to make that origami Christmas tree!
A lovely post. You have a beautiful family. I couldn’t believe it when I saw your lovely china. My friend has a set just like it. She keeps it in the cabinet, but it comes out on special occasions.
We have the same china pattern! What excellent taste you have.
Ours also doesn’t see the light of day very often but we did pull it out for Christmas. It’s important to try to civilize my children every so often.
I just came here to post that I have the same china as well! Although mine was a hand-me-down family gift after my grandma passed away. I love it nonetheless! Many memories have been had over that set and many more to come!
Your celebrations look delightful!
Interestingly, strawberries *are* a traditional Christmas food here in New Zealand, with it being summer and all.
What a lovely set of photos xx
Looks like a great christmas was had by all xx
OMG! You and I have the same China pattern! I received mine for Christmas in 1998….