From the Land of the Langs: Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas!

We probably had the BEST Christmas ever here in the Lang house. Phoenix is at such a fun age. He was totally into unwrapping his presents (even before Christmas) and even more into playing with everything! He even enjoyed everyone else's presents as well :)

Phoenix: drum set, karaoke machine, easel, legos, tent & camping equipment, outfits, pj's, McWane membership (given in August), trampoline (given in October), guitar, toys, basketball goal, college fund money, candy, more toys, gift card, Jake & the Neverland Pirates ride-on, camo pull over, music set, a blower, broom & dust pan, vacuum, garbage can, and tons more toys!!!

Mama: a new coffee maker, starbucks gift cards, boots, kitchen things, clothes, gift cards, walkie-talkies, money.

Dada: truck stuff (new lower valence & bug deflector), Monster Truck tickets (for him and Phoenix), clothes, gun toy, dvd, slippers, money, a fan.

I'm sure there is more that belong in each list, but I can't seem to think right now. Between Santa and both our families, we were all spoiled more than I know we deserve, especially Dada :). I think its safe to say that we are all truly blessed. I didn't realize I had been such a good girl this year, but hey-I'm totally not complaining :). My blessings far exceed gifts.

Our celebration started Christmas Eve. We spent the day together as a family, then headed to Church at 5:00. We also had some fun visitors-the Bird's :)!!! After Church we came home, had a bite to eat, then put Phoenix to bed.

Santa's helpers then got to work. It was a long night for us, but I can promise you this-we didn't complain one time. It was the first time in forever where I actually felt like a kid on Christmas morning. I had butterflies of what the morning would bring. I couldn't sleep in anticipation. I had a full heart seeing our house filled with soo much love. I looked forward to spending time together in the morning as a family of 3 and then heading over to my sisters house to spend more quality time with the rest of our family.

Not too shabby for an ELF, if I do say so myself!

Needless to say, the morning expectations did not disappoint. From the moment he could see the den from the stairs, his eyes lit up. They still haven't stopped glowing. It was such a great morning. I wouldn't have traded any second of it. It truly was the most perfect Christmas morning.

After enjoying our time, I went to work in the kitchen in preparations to head to my sisters house. For some reason, I ALWAYS seem to get assigned desserts. Not sure if its because they don't like my cooking or its just the easiest thing for them to pawn off. Come to think of it, they might not even like my desserts. We didn't even serve them at Thanksgiving or at Christmas. Ummm-maybe I should just resign all in all :). I made 3 different things this year. The infamous Santa Strawberries, a Triple Chocolate Peppermint Trifle, and a Coconut Snowman Cake. Regardless of how they tasted, I must say that my cake was pretty darn cute :)

Phoenix sang Happy Birthday to Jesus several times throughout the day. He knows Santa says Ho, Ho, Ho and he knows he doesn't like him too much. Other than that, we tried to focus on the Birthday Party for Jesus. He's getting pretty good at singing Happy Birthday now too :)!!!

To finish our wonderful Christmas, having my brother in town was totally the icing on the cake. We have all loved having him. Hopefully the girls didn't wear him out too much that he'll not want to come back for a long, long time. Phoenix has really taken to him and I love it. I realized earlier today that I haven't taken any pictures of Phoenix and him together, so I texted him and told him he must come over for a photo session before he leaves. I'm very sad that Monday is just 2 days away. We will all miss him greatly.