The Zimmerman Family: Merry Xmas Everyone

We had a very fun and busy time over Xmas and Xmas Eve, trying to spend as much time with our families as possible. All of our siblings were in town with their families, so the cousins got lots of fun playtime together. They always have such a great time when they are together; its just a shame that we don't live closer!

On Christmas Eve, we hosted a casual dinner at our house with our families. Owen was very into leaving a note and tray for Santa, insisting on leaving cookies and a Hershey Kiss for Santa and apples, carrots, and water for the reindeer. He actually wanted to buy 1 apple for each reindeer, but I convinced him that 3 would suffice. Not surprisingly, Owen was the 1st one to wake up Xmas morning (6:30- not too bad!). We had told us to come into our room, and he looked at us dejectedly and said, "Santa didn't come. . ." He clearly had not looked downstairs under the tree, but we pointed out the full stockings that were in our bedroom. Owen was thrilled beyond words and loved everything in his stocking, gushing with excitement. We then had to wait an hour until Joey woke up and we could all head downstairs to the tree. The kids definitely enjoyed the present opening (lots of Legos for Owen - his current obsessions are the Star Wars and Ninjago Lego sets), but Owen definitely had lost his passion, not seeming to care even about some of the things he had been talking about for weeks! So, the moral of the story is that Santa should probably just focus on the stockings. . .

We then headed to Stefan's parents' house to celebrate with his family, go through another round of present opening, and eat a Xmas brunch. After that, we headed to my parents' house for the Dye Xmas celebration (more presents and Xmas dinner). By the time we got home that night, we were completely exhausted! But, it was a wonderful day and we feel so lucky to be able to spend the time with the people we love.