This year we decided it would be best for us to stick around Boston for the Holidays. There were several factors, but mostly it just worked out easiest this way. I knew I was going to miss being with all of our family, but I was excited to do our own thing, and to experience a New England Christmas.
After our small trip to New York we came home and got our selves ready for Christmas. A Stockhoff Family Tradition each year is to have Pizza and Root Beer floats on Christmas eve. Since we were going to be doing it anyway, we decided we would invite some of our friends (the few that were still around) to come join us in a little celebration. We had some great company, yummy pizza, a reading (and acting) of the nativity and a cookie exchange. It really was such a great time!
For the Nativity we had the kids act out the different parts. I made Clare into a little lamb, don't be fooled by this picture though, she wouldn't wear the ears when she was actually supposed to.
Here are some pictures of the kids participating.
After the Christmas eve fun with friends we headed home and got into our PJs. We also let both kids open up one small gift.
Aren't' they so so sweet?? After the kiddies were in bed Santa came ;)
And of course there's Christmas Morning :)
Clare Loved her baby doll from Grandma and Grandpa...
Noah originally came into our room at about 2:30am very excited, we finally convinced him to go back to bed and then had to wake him back up in the morning. It took a little coaxing but when he saw Clare with her baby doll I think he finally realized what was happening, and it didn't take much from there.
Whew! Obviously our kids were very blessed (/spoiled) this year. I loved watching them open their gifts and how excited they were about each thing.
After presents we had our traditional aebleskiver breakfast, which was delicious, as always!
The remainder of the day was spent playing, spending time together and also spending time with friends. It was a wonderful day, and I am so grateful that I could spend it with my sweet little family!