Christmas with the Dillards

We had a fun and busy Christmas and are finally settling back down into our normal routine. But I wanted to take some time to reflect on our holiday and document the fun memories we made.

There was lots of family time to be had as we celebrated with both sides of Matt's extended family. Lots of parties, eating, and laughing. The kids LOVE playing with their cousins and had a blast. I love to see them connect with other family members. We got to spend precious time with our out of town family as well. Matt's sister and brother and their families all came to Dallas so that made the holiday extra special. There's just something special about being with family...

We enjoyed teaching our children about the birth of Jesus. It is so precious to hear a toddler tell you the details about baby Jesus. This was the first year Oliver really understood anything about Santa Claus - and he really got into it! He made sure we moved our fireplace screen out of the way so he could get in and enjoyed helping me bake cookies for Santa to enjoy when he dropped off the presents. In fact, that was one of the first things he checked for when we walked out Christmas morning!

The empty plate and mug

Oliver's gift from Santa Claus

Gabriella's gift from Santa

The thing Oliver enjoyed most about the morning - CANDY! He ate a whole tube of M&M's and two packets of Pez before breakfast. Only on Christmas...

Gabby with her plate of cookies

We also were blessed with a white Christmas - in TEXAS! It snowed big flakes all day on Christmas Eve - it was so beautiful. It really stuck and stayed that way all day on Christmas. It made it feel extra Christmas-y this year.

Dressed up for Christmas lunch at Granna and Papa's house

Playing with his new Webkinz monkey from Granna and Papa. He picked the name... it's name is Worry. Yes, Worry. Funny boy!

Granna, Papa, Uncle Dan, and Daddy trying desperately to succeed at Papa's Pizza Topple

Oli and Daddy going for a ride after the snow melted away!

We were thrilled to get to see some of my family over the holidays as well. My parents and Emily and Bossy came up for New Years. My mom brings a special bag called the "Meme Bag" with her filled with special toys for the kids. The favorite by far are the stamps. Here is Gabby (and Meme's hand) adorned with some lovely animals stamps. We had a great time visiting with my family and the kids were in heaven having them in our house for a few days! We were too - since my Dad gets up with the kids when he is visiting. Thank you Pepe! We loved sleeping in!!!

We are so blessed and were so thankful to get to spend the holidays with the people we love most on this earth. Thank you all for helping to make our holidays bright! Merry Christmas again!