Christmas Day!
We thought we were going to get a good night’s sleep but Tyler was so consumed with excitement that he woke up a few times throughout the night. He was in a sleepy haze and would run into our room at full speed and start saying mommy, mommy and then had a weird conversation about Santa and then would run back to his room and fall into bed, lol
Then at 4am he was making crying noises in his bed so we went to see what was the matter and he’s like, “what’s going on, what are we doing, I don’t understand, has Santa come yet?” Poor guy, he just didn’t know how to handle his excitement and it kept waking him up.
We told the boys that they could come in and get us at 7 am and they arrived on time to the dot! We didn’t want them going downstairs without us and they followed the rule and I’m sure it was hard!!
Tyler was beyond thrilled to receive an upgraded kitchen! All Jason’s hardwork was worth it!
Santa answered Luke’s wish and got him a hoverboard!
It was a fun slow enjoyable morning of opening gifts! This was the first year we gave the boys a $20 limit to buy gifts for their brother and for both Jason and me to show them how fun and rewarding it can be to find the perfect gift for a loved one and how to stay on a budget with picking out the gift. It was a fun moment watching their excitement as each of us opened the gift from each person.
We gave the boys remote control cars and Tyler got one in his favorite color green and Luke received one in his favorite color blue. These cars are pretty hard core and can handle a rough ride!
My truck-loving son loved all his new car and truck toys!
I love how Tyler calls his Grandma in Florida almost every day to include her in what’s going on. I’m pretty sure it warms her heart with how much he thinks of her and wants to tell her about every day.
We enjoyed our breakfast casserole!
Played some more!
Tyler loves Peppa Pig and was having a good ol’ time incorporating his new van with his new Peppa Pig figures and house.
Tyler was very excited to get a new set of magna-tiles where he can expand his building imagination and create more things like this train.
Jay got the rub on the chicken and put it into the meat smoker for Christmas dinner.
I prepared a Broccoli Cheese Casserole!
Honestly, I didn’t take any pictures of Christmas dinner, I was entertaining and focussed on getting the house ready for guests after the Christmas morning mess and I totally dropped the ball on taking pictures.
But here’s what I did get….
I gotta say the chicken Jason made was probably the best chicken I’ve ever had, so juicy and flavorful and I’m not complaining about this new cool meat smoker talent that he is taking very seriously!
We served the chicken with my broccoli cheese casserole and garlic green beans and it was a very memorable meal! For dessert my parents brought over a berry pie and we enjoyed it ala mode and it hit the spot on ending our Christmas dinner on a high note.
We took turns getting to experience the hoverboard!
My mom and aunt were amazing and helped me clean up the entire kitchen because I did use our nice china and stem wear that has to be hand-washed!!
It was a perfect day of watching the Christmas magic through my son’s eyes and we enjoyed our small gathering at home…it was perfect!
I’m including another fun night in this post that we had on the Sunday after Christmas!
Family Night Out in Balboa Island, Newport Beach!
We wanted to take the boys to Balboa Island in Newport Beach to enjoy an evening of looking at all the Christmas lights. People go all out and decorate their homes so beautifully. We also enjoyed this fun night with my parents.
We walked up and down the streets admiring all the gorgeous lights! We had dinner at an outside restaurant and it was perfect!
The island had a huge Christmas tree that was the perfect place to grab a family photo!
After a year like we’ve had, I cherish every minute of being with my parents and spending time with them. It’s one of the things that 2020 has taught and reminded me and that’s to appreciate the time spent with loved ones because life is too short and precious!