Christmas catch up, part 2

Christmas Eve, we headed back to Columbia to be home for Santa's arrival. We left cookies and milk out and sprinkled reindeer food in the front yard. Alex, our elf, made his final appearance of the year, as he prepared to head back to the North Pole until next Christmas.

Santa left a few goodies for the girls...

The fire truck my parents gave Baker found a cozy spot under our tree...

Christmas morning...

Saylor may have loved the box more than what was inside :)

Hubs cooking us up a Christmas morning breakfast...

We relaxed during the day and then prepared for Christmas dinner. My parents arrived that evening and we enjoyed having both families together.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Christmas catch up, part 1

As I look back over the pictures of Christmas, I am soaking in all the magic. The smiles, the moments. Some of which happened between the walls of our own little home in Columbia. Others which happened in my parent's home while we were visiting throughout the holidays. And others which happened, as Sean and I shared giggles over Christmas music in the car during our various travels.

The joy of Christmas really does stay with us. The decorations are put away (with the exception of a few icicle lights hanging outside - read: my husband doesn't love heights and ladders, ha). All gifts have been opened and are now on their way to being well used. My new boots have already been broken in and spilled on (such is life with littles). But the magic... the magic lingers. And I love that.

My parent's host a Christmas Eve party at their house every year. I think this was year #11, and it happens to be something I always look forward to. This year, it was on Christmas Eve "Eve." With us living 3 hours away, this worked so perfect for us. We wanted to be home Christmas Eve night to see what Santa brought the girls, so we were able to spend a few days pre-Christmas with my family in NC.

Christmas Eve Eve, in pictures...

Saylor was super sick with a virus, so she spent most of the holiday with a fever, sleeping off the sickness. However, she did make a short appearance in pajamas at the party...

Baker family Christmas tradition... Opening pajamas on Christmas Eve. This year, the pajamas took a turn for the better, in my opinion, but if you ask my brothers and husband, probably for the worst, ha! We bring to you, sock monkey pajamas, in all their footed glory...

We woke up Christmas Eve morning to a visit from Santa (or one of his little elves)....

It was a wonderful few days and we thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our families. Happy Christmas, part one... from our house to yours. 

It has been a whirlwind around here, but I am happy to say, life seems to be slowing down, thus giving me the opportunity to let it all sink in and reflect. The decorations have been taken down and I am left with the after Christmas emptiness. The empty spot where the tree sits. The undone mantels and railings. The leftover glitter in every single corner of our home. But I'm also left with a renewed sense of love and family. A renewed sense of what's really important. That days can be long, but the years are short. That love and family are really all that matters. That as we embark on a new year, I am reminded to enjoy the small things, the small moments. To be more patient. To laugh more. To love harder. To hug those we love a little bit tighter.

The holidays were truly wonderful this year. We loved being surrounded by laughter and love of family for weekends on end. We spent Christmas in both North and South Carolina. We visited with all of those we love, making fun new memories, building on old traditions and soaking in the true spirit of Christmas.

I have quite a few posts to get done, and am hoping to have them up this week. Until then, i'll leave you with this, brought to you by red sock monkey footed pajamas...

Baker Family Christmas, 2011