Christmas 2019

Story told by: Lainey

We had a fantastic few days of Christmas!

We started by making cookies on Monday morning. We started with an egg-free batch dyed red so Henry knows they’re safe for him.

Brody didn’t even make it to this first tray coming out of the oven. And we immediately abandoned Mommy and Daddy as soon as this tray was done.

So Mommy and Daddy had a quiet morning of baking by themselves.

But I did come back to help out towards the end of the second batch.

Shortly after cookies were done, Na Na and Ba Ba arrived! We headed down to Lewiston for our annual Christmas light trip!

We were fortunate to get a break in the rain for our time at the park.

The next day was Christmas Eve. Henry told Mommy that we just might not need to get out a plate for Santa, and then he told her that she had to open his present from school a day early. It is perfect!!

Then we decorated our cookies!

Success!

We each picked our favorite cookie to go on the plate for Santa.

Aunt Tiffany, Uncle Jaron, and our cousins arrived before dinner. We ate quickly, and then got ready to head to Christmas Eve church service.

I got to have a reading part at church! Our church also did a choir. Mommy was the pianist while Daddy sang in the choir. It was fun to participate!

Brody wasn’t quite sure what to make of the open flame.

When we came home from church, we found our present that Santa had left for us! (And it wouldn’t be a true video without Brody crying in it.)

Our matching jammies from Santa! I can’t believe he also gave me one for my American Girl doll!

We ended the night by reading our new book with Daddy. And then we rushed off to bed because we knew Santa was coming!! (Henry was so excited that he couldn’t fall asleep until 11 p.m.)

The adults finished this puzzle after we went to bed.

After everyone was in bed, Mommy and Daddy sat on the couch for awhile soaking in this view. Perfection.

Mommy, Daddy, Na Na, Ba Ba, and I beat everyone to wake up on Christmas morning. But I know I can’t come out of my room until the boys are with me, so we had to wait until 6:15 to wake them up.

Santa always leaves our “big” gift unwrapped. Here is the Polaroid camera I requested.

Henry’s Beyblade Battle Arena.

And the Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head that Brody requested (plus some fun extra friends from “Toy Story 4”).

The big reveal!

I was SO excited for this camera!

My first picture.

As we were finishing stockings, Matthew, Vern, and Dora came upstairs to join in on the fun.

Dora’s first Christmas!

And then the present-opening started!

We could barely tear Henry away from his Beyblades in order to get him to open any other presents.

My school present (a coaster) that I made for Na Na.

Henry picked out special Cougar socks for me. So warm and fuzzy!

Brody sure loves his new games.

Grandma made us new piggy banks.

I got a picture of me and Vern.

New Cougar sunglasses from Grandma and Grandpa!

The theme of presents for Mommy was coffee, candles, and books. She is 100% okay with that!!

My coffee present for Mommy.

Aunt Tiffany sewed clothes for my American Girl dolls. I love them!

New game from Uncle Juncle.

Brody’s adorable preschool present he made for Mommy.

The whole crew after present-opening was finished!

The rest of the day involved playing and relaxing!

Beyblade Battle with Ba Ba.

Mommy made a yummy Charcuterie Board to snack on for a light lunch.

We all headed outside while Mommy made Christmas dinner.

Brody loved the ham. He said, “This is 100% delicious!”

After dinner we snuggled with Dora.

The LEGOs came out.

Brody asked Mommy to do a puzzle. You can see he was very involved with it.

So we got out one of Brody’s new games instead.

Before everyone left the next morning, Na Na helped me finish my LEGO set!

Henry also finished his skateboard park.

I started my second set…

…and finished it (mostly) all by myself.

Henry has been so excited to have this Beyblade set. On Christmas morning he said, “I thought I was going to get coal because I hit my brother. Wow. Turns out Santa doesn’t actually know if you’re naughty or nice!”

I got a makeup kit for Christmas (it’s just for use at home). You can see that I’ve mastered the art of subtlety.

And as soon as our company left, the painting started! Our entire interior eventually needs to be painted, but for now, Mommy and Daddy have a six-week goal to get the entire basement done (which involves removing wallpaper in one bedroom), as well as a bathroom and the main living area on the main floor. They’re not sure if they’ll get it done, but they’re sure going to try. Here’s to a great Christmas and now lots of painting!