Christmas 2010

Italic
What a full, and yet peaceful, extravagant and yet simple Christmas we are experiencing. It has truly been my best Christmas ever.



We made a "pilgrimage" all the way across the street to visit the creche



And anxiously awaited Baby Jesus' arrival


Babies grew bigger



And toddlers got so very grown up




We decorated our first real tree on Christmas Eve


We laughed. A lot.



We posed for a quick photo before going to Christmas Eve Mass.
This isn't our tree, mind you, but my in-laws,
where we had just finished a big feast of tortiere. Mmm.

(One of us was lucky enough to wear his jammies to Mass! He also got to sleep for most of Mass. And no, it wasn't Patrick.)


We delighted in the sight of our tree with presents under it the next morning



A certain toddler curiously studied the large strange shape under the table cloth
(He seems to be saying "is this for me?!")

Also, note the cute pants. His proud mommy made them with instructions from this book.



A lovely book was received eagerly



As well as a Knight's costume (pure gold for a kid who loves dress-up so much)



And then


Daddy's lovingly made play-kitchen was revealed



As always, we felt so blessed to be so close to our extended families, but especially at Christmas time. We did lots of visiting on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day!

Yet there was something so peaceful and refreshing having our own little home where we could retire each night. Sure, last Christmas, we had a cosy apartment that met our needs nicely (and was so handily close to both sets of parents!) but this year, home has felt so much more home-y.

Perhaps this is why I feel so happy about our Christmas this year. Perhaps it was because Noah was older, and more able to enjoy all that was happening around him.

In any case, we give thanks to our newborn Savior for such a beautiful, joyous day and so much happiness for the entire twelve days of Christmas!

Comments

  1. ElenaJanuary 5, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    wow!
    1. i love your ceiling -pine, i assume?
    2. where did the knight costume come from?
    3. that kitchen is amazing.
    4. you three look so joyful and genuinely happy.
    5. no snow on the ground - nice,very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Patrick CraineJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    Hi Elena.
    1) I love the ceiling too. I think it's pine but I'm not sure. This and the short 'commute' to Mass were what sold me on this house.
    2) The knight costume was from Chapters. A big overpriced ($29) and my mother-in-law assured me I could make something as good while she and I looked at it. I started to cry and said "I am so worn out from MAKING stuff!" I figure it'll work for numerous Halloweens too, making it worth the price.
    3) Thanks. We love our kitchen too.
    4) We are. I'm glad you noticed. :D
    5) I felt like writing "eat your hearts out, Barry's Bay people" on the caption for our winter walk. You'll notice he's sans hat and gloves. I think it was +10 that day. Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jenna CraineJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    Ooops, that comment was from Jenna. Not Patrick.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ErinJanuary 6, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    Too funny. I was trying to picture Patrick bursting into tears at Chapters! That just didn't seem right.

    Love the kitchen. We were given a handmade plywood play kitchen from some friends of ours, but it really doesn't fit anywhere in our house, unfortunately. It is outside in one of the sheds right now. Scott's dad made a small stove that works perfectly for a little kitchen play and we love it, especially the oven which opens to hold all the play food/dishes. You could find an old faucet (if someone you know if renovating) to add to the little sink.

    And hey, we like the snow!

    (Got your card today...thanks!)

    ReplyDelete

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