Josh and I both worked half days on Christmas Eve. We went to a church service in the afternoon and then headed over to my grandma's house to celebrate Christmas Eve with my mom's family. Spending Christmas Eve at my grandparents's house has always been our tradition. There have only been a couple of years that we haven't been there. After that, we went to Josh's grandparents's house and spent time with his mom's family.
The next morning, we got up early and went to see my niece receive a visit from Santa Claus. She was pretty scared of him at first. It took her awhile to warm up and apparently she figured out that he was really Papa. After that, we went over to my parents's house for our traditional breakfast. We watched the Disney Christmas Parade over there as well.
She was fine opening Santa's gifts...as long as she was far away from him.
My hubby and my brother-in-law. This is a traditional picture for them. Putting their stockings on their feet after they empty them.
After that, we headed over to Josh's parents's house. We had Christmas dinner over there and spent time with some of his dad's family. And the last thing we did that evening was our tradition of going to see a movie with our friends. We saw Saving Mr. Banks and loved it!
The girls after the movie
The next morning, we woke up bright and early and headed out with his family for a trip to Disneyland! His brother that lives out of state wanted to take his girls there after Christmas, so all of us here went to meet them there. We had a family dinner in the evening on Thursday and then walked around Downtown Disney.
All of my nieces together again!
The following morning, Josh and I woke up very early and headed over to Disneyland to get in line to get into the park. We ended up being there before opening and after closing...about 19 hours! The park was very busy and full of people most of the day. I had never seen it that busy before. The lines were crazy for some of the rides. Even trying to get food was a pain. But, it was so much fun to spend the day with his family and to see my nieces have an amazing time in Disneyland.
I had to start the day with a coffee. It was really cold!
The babies didn't like the Haunted Mansion very much
In front of the giant Christmas tree on Main Street
On the tea cups with our oldest niece
The whole family
I love the snow on Sleeping Beauty Castle
We got our traditional picture in at the end of the day...way after midnight
The next day, we had lunch with everyone at the Rainforest Cafe and then headed home. It was hard to say goodbye but I am so thankful we were able to spend the time together that we had. I just wish we would have gotten more sleep!
So even though Christmas was over a few days ago, it doesn't quite feel over to me yet. Disneyland was still decorated for Christmas, so everything there was extra magical. We just took down our tree and decorations today because we didn't have time to take anything down before we left. So for a girl that loves Christmas as much as I do, this has definitely been a great week.
I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of 2013! I know I've already shared some of my thoughts on the year but I do have more to share. That will have to come later. Until then, have a blessed and safe Happy New Year!
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