One of our favorite holiday season kickoff events is the Luminary Walk at the Arboretum. Annalise and Andrew got all bundled up, strolled through woods lit with candles and Christmas lights, and were first in line to see Santa, all before 6pm!
Many people have heard me describe and occasionally bemoan our massive amount of Christmas decorations. The thought of putting up all our (outdoor and indoor!) lights plus five trees can be intimidating. Honestly, though, the process of decorating our house is one of the most enjoyable parts of the season, especially now that the kids can participate. This year we incorporated a gingerbread house kit, and Annalise and Andrew were all about the frosting and gumdrops. Did I mention that Belle was a helper, too?
Annalise's Christmas program was super early this year, and it definitely got us in the holiday spirit. It warmed my heart to see Annalise hanging with her gal pals after the show.
This year Annalise and I attended the Nutcracker Tea Party with some of our mother/daughter friends. I couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky to spend a Saturday morning dressing up, enjoying brunch, and watching a ballet with my best gal.
Belle wore her finest collar throughout the holiday season...
This year Adam also reignited a passion from his adolescence - playing the tuba! When he first mentioned Tuba Christmas, I thought he was joking. It turns out that it is a real thing, and tons of KC tuba players gather every year at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center for this concert.
During the holiday season, we took a few pictures under the big tree. Crazy Christmas hats, bright lights, and ugly sweaters...
At last, it was Christmas Eve! This was honestly my favorite night of the whole season. We went to mass at St. Michael's and then came back to our house for the first annual Ahillen/Walker fondue party. It was such a joyous night. Before bedtime the kids and I tiptoed on to the deck and sprinkled some "reindeer food."
On Christmas morn, our living room looked perfect. So much lovely wrapping paper!
I tried to savor every moment as it happened, but will only include a few snapshots here. Rip, tear! The highlights from A&A's Christmas Day included dueling Toy Story figures and scooter races.
We could have not have been more blessed this holiday season. So many happy memories! The best way to cap it all off? A bedtime story and cozy sleeping bag. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Love these Christmas pics! The gingerbread house baking is very impressive!
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