We had some fun quality family time shopping at Hobby Lobby and trying to pick out some fun but meaningful ornaments to add to our collection this year. The only one we couldn't find was one to commemorate our new boat. Brynley helped us decorate the Christmas tree this year, oooh-ing and ahhhh-ing at all the pretty new ornaments. Her favorite were the candy canes though. Surprisingly enough she never messed with any of the ornaments, but she would every so often go take a candy cane off the tree *squealing* and bring it to us to open it for her. I should add that by the end she was opening them by herself. Note: by the time we were ready to take the tree down she was squealing so much we didn't have the heart to throw them away so they are stashed in the pantry for special occasions.
We tried for several attempts to get a cute picture for a Christmas card but Brynley was not very compliant. While most have to deal with the child being afraid of the lights I couldn't get her to leave them alone.
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| This ended up being my favorite but I was not a fan of the way she was sitting, and I had many people question what she was holding?? It was used as a distraction. |
It was so chilly that afternoon, I took the opportunity to take a few pictures of her outside in this cozy little outfit and thought I might try one more time to get some pictures of her with the lights. She sort of cooperated :)
I had to capture all the beauty of our tree with all the presents under it.
Our church had several Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas Eve services, 6 in all. And I have to brag on my wonderful husband for doing such an amazing job. There was a lot that went into the whole experience and while there were many people that helped make it all happen he definitely played a huge role in organizing the chaos! I am so proud. I wasn't able to make any of the services on the 23rd because of work but I was there on Christmas Eve to take it all in. It was amazing. God is so good.
Jamie and his wife Catie came the night before and made a special announcement that they were expecting. Somehow Jeremy was able to keep it from me that night and all the next day so that they could tell me themselves. I have our friend Rich to thank for ruining the surprise for me ;-) but I wasn't disappointed, just very excited for them.
Becky came that night to experience our Christmas service and see her boy in action on the drums. Yes, Jeremy made a comeback on the drums....and it was A--mazing! It was such a pleasure to have her there and I know she was very proud.
We rushed after our service to St. James to see Willie. We missed Joel in this picture but what a great shot of the daddy and his boys! London and Brynley had a blast playing on the stage afterwards. Brynley also opened her presents from Pop pop because he was flying to Detroit the next day to be with his mom for Christmas.
Christmas morning daddy let me sleep a little while he and Brynley had breakfast together. I love that they get to have some one on one time together. Actually I love the fact that he desperately wants that time with her. It's so special. I love him more for that. I really do.
Opening presents was everything I hoped it would be and more. First she had to rock on her new rocker for a bit before we could get her attention to the presents. She helped us pull off the paper and would gasp when she saw what she got. It was entertaining to see her expressions. Naturally, after every toy was opened we had to put it together so she could see what it really was. Then the squealing started!
Jeremy really blessed me this year with some amazing presents, I got everything I could have ever wanted and more. My first present was a flip video camera that I opened on Christmas Eve so I could video tape all the Christmas morning festivities. I don't know how we have managed this long without a real video camera. However, the excitement fell short when we realized it was broken in the first 2 minutes of using it. Real bummer.
My most favorite gift was a new lens for my camera! I have been wanting one for months now. Of course I had to try it out immediately. Since the flip camera let us down we had to use my dslr camera to video that morning which is heavy and tedious to use and the next gift was an answer to that prayer. A tripod for my camera. Told you my husband was amazing. Naturally, Jeremy didn't want anything, but there was something I knew he has talked about wanting in the past and I couldn't pass the opportunity up to get it for him. So Brynley and I ventured out and got daddy a basketball. After much researching we found the perfect one. Unfortunately, I let it slip right out of my mouth one day. He was excited. I wanted to cry. But in good sport he acted surprised when he opened it. So sweet.
Last year when she was only 3 months old Jeremy and I started a tradition of buying a few presents for Brynley separately. We figured if she was too young to really understand and be surprised at what she got then we might as well surprise each other. It's been a really fun concept because we can't wait to see what we got "each other" for Brynley.
Daddy got her some drums. Mommy got her a big tent and a broom with dust pan since she loves to help mommy clean. She loves them both. We loved them too. We also got her a vacuum together and she knew exactly what to do with it.
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| Sitting on daddy while he puts her drums together |
After we opened our presents we headed over to Ja'Marc and Synthia's house for brunch and dinner. Catie has a family tradition of making crepe's on Christmas morning so she shared that tradition with us. We thought we were going to miss them since we didn't get over there as early as we had thought we would but turns out Catie was having a little pregnancy nausea that morning so everything was pushed back a little bit. They were amazing. Fresh fruit, whipped cream and powdered sugar. Yum!
Synthia made delicious gluten free coffee cake too! Isn't it pretty?
Brynley found London's cowboy hat. It pulled her whole look together don't you think? Christmas jammies and a cowboy hat....so original. I love that she likes to wear hats, I hope it's not just a short phase. At his point she will wear any hat; she knows where we keep our hats and will point up to them in the closet and say "Ha...Ha!?" until we get one down and put in on her. I just couldn't resist taking a few pictures of this silly look. Now I guess we need to get her a few hats of her own.
Her and London played together so well all day....even without their naps! Crazy I know! I had a blast taking pictures of their interaction with each other.
After they got bored playing with their inside toys they decided to go outside to enjoy the beautiful weather and play. I had to put together this little gym set because it was in pieces as I am sure London hadn't played with it in quite some time. It's funny how something will peak a child's interest again when they see another child having fun with it. On a side note, I have decided to practice taking pictures with London soon, he is so photogenic and loves to pose for the camera.
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| This is the frustration look |
For dinner we had delicious ham, crockpot beans and garlic sweet potatoes. I went back for thirds....no, that is not a typo.
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| ugh, trust me I know this picture is blurry on her face, for some reason it wanted to focus on her shoulder. It's been a learning curve for me and my new lens, I WILL GET IT...eventually :) I just love this shot of her |
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| I stole this picture from Jamie's facebook page. |
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| Playing with Uncle Jamie |
Grandma Marcia, Joel and his girlfriend Valerie flew in on Monday afternoon. We had Christmas dinner that night. Because we didn't make our traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year we decided to make that for Christmas dinner. We had two turkeys, one fried and one smoked, sweet potato casserole, broccoli rice and cheese casserole, green bean casserole, and corn bread stuffing. I told you it was traditional. I will say this though, no more casseroles for me. They just take way too long and I don't feel like I get to join in on the fun with everyone. Unfortunately, due to the fact that I was in the kitchen cooking all morning into the late afternoon I wasn't able to capture many pictures of all the excitement. I can sum it up, however, by saying it was loud and fun with lots of debating going on....a true Davis kind of holiday.
I managed to get away for a bit to capture the kids playing together. Harmonee, London, and Brynley played so well together. We didn't even hear them. Later Jase'topher came over and he partook in the fun as well.
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| Jase--Isn't he handsome? |
I love seeing Marcia with all her boys. What a special moment for her.
Synthia has started a business making cake pops, and she is SO talented. She added to our plethora of sweet treats by making these beautiful "ice cream cones". Brynley loved them too!
It's amazing to see how much Brynley has changed in just one year. Here are a few pictures to remind you of what Christmas was like last year.
Aside from all the hustle and bustle of food, desserts, toys, lights, family and friends, I am reminded of the true meaning of this season and of the countless blessings in my life. Today a perfect tiny little child was born that would someday be the Living Sacrifice for all mankind. Wow.
Merry Christmas!
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