Happy Birthday Jesus!

The Barksdale girls were extra good this year, so Santa was sure to make his stop at our house. Betsy Grace was way more into Jesus and his mommy and daddy than Santa but as the month crept along, she warmed up to the mention of him. We went into get her Christmas morning and told her that Santa Claus had come. She wasn't thrilled, I swear she thought he was a new babysitter, but when we quickly clarified that he had come and GONE but left toys, we were all smiles :)

First glance at her new goodies....

Santa brought a kitchen to Betsy Grace...

and a table and chairs to both girls!

and we can't forget the vacuum from Brun and Ella.

She vacuumed all morning, saying "Like mommy"

We stayed in our pjs all morning and let the grandparents come to us, which was heaven! Betsy Grace had a blast showing off all her goodies and sweet Sutton was mesmerized by her big sissy in action. It's not Christmas morning around this house without the traditional sausage and egg casserole and Moravian Sugar Cake, so we stuffed our bellies and enjoyed our special morning. Then, after naps, we headed to the Tucks for fun, games and of course, yummy food. It was fun to catch up with family and Betsy Grace had the time of her life running aorund with her cousins. Sutton, on the other hand, was over it and so we had to cut our stay short. She is the best baby but every now and then she gets pushed over the edge and she freaks. She has started going to bed around 6:45 and a couple of nights in a row past her bed time was more than she could handle...sweet little thing :)

Christmas with children is absolutely amazing...their pure joy, pleasure in the small things and childlike faith really serves as a reminder of the true meaning Christmas. All of the gift buying and parties are so much fun but there is something so peaceful about slowing down and focusing on the birth of Christ. I love that Betsy Grace was so focused on Jesus and the nativity scene, rather than the commercial aspect that engulfs us during the season. In fact, she is so obsessed with her nativity set that we are keeping it out. After all, we should celebrate Jesus everyday not just at Christmas.

xoxo