Christmas in Larsonland, 2013 edition

Christmastime has come and gone.  But it was a great one!  The tree was overflowing with wonderful gifts, but the best gift of all was spending the day with my sweet boy who had so much fun enjoying the day.  From the Bible reading and advent calendar each night, to the tree and stockings, Benjamin seemed to really love this Christmas season.  It was so special for this momma!

Here is a picture journal of our Christmas...

We were lucky to have my mom join us on Christmas Eve.  We opened gifts, went to the church service (where Matt was playing with the worship team once again!), and enjoyed a nice dinner before she had to head back to New Mexico.  I may or may not have almost sliced my finger off while frantically trying to prepare dinner. ;)

warm enough to play outside for a bit!

Christmas Eve service at DCC

Benjamin kept trying to call out to daddy while he played...

Last night for the advent calendar!

And a showing of White Christmas which Matt, Amber, and I proceeded to fall asleep to...

But not before we reenacted a few vintage sister pictures (next time we'll plan ahead for the appropriate outfits)... ;)

Christmas morning was just as I'd imagined - Benjamin woke up in his Santa jammies (asking to put on his green flip-flops which became his "Kissmas Fip Fops", don't know how that came about!), we opened stockings, had a tasty breakfast together, and opened presents as a family.  When I wasn't busy taking too many pictures, I was smiling and my heart was full.

good morning!

helping mom get her stocking

wanting all of mom's presents

pausing for slinky time on the stairs!

thank you Karen for this awesome present!

LOVES his new xylophone from Mimi & Papa

and especially loves his new camera!  Thanks M&P!

playing with his new grill food on dad's new picnic table!

yummy, burger...

Facetime with the MN Larsons!

At lunchtime, my family came over and we enjoyed a tasty french toast bake, games, and presents before a nice dinner together.  It was a wonderful afternoon with lots of laughs and love!

doesn't he look excited about the new jammie pants from Bam Bam's trip to Thailand?!?

modeling...

opening some cool presents from Bam Bam!

dad opening one of his fun presents from Grama and Grampa!

new dinos!!  Thanks G&G!

And, I'm old now :)

awesome surprise birthday present from G&G!

And while Benjamin was napping we made a family Christmas music video, a la Jimmy Fallon and the Roots. :)

Game time!

 

(also loves his train already, M&P!)

reading a new book before bedtime

thanks for the fun G&G!

Wouldn't you know it, it was almost 60 degrees the next day, so while dad was at work, Benjamin and I made our way to the park (in his new Christmas vest, of course)!

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well! Thanks to all of you who helped make the day so special for our sweet little guy (and us!). :)