Merry Christmas!

Its inevitable. No matter how simple you vow your holidays will be this year, there's always legwork involved. We dramatically pared down our Christmas schedule--I've mentioned we opted out of hosting our big annual bash, and also cut down on all the family events we typically rush around to attend--in an effort to accommodate our tired selves. Any parent will understand how exhausting a two and a half year old can be...now just multiply it by four! Or you may have kids at various ages requiring a hodge posse of activities and accommodations. The parentingn badge ain't earned with blood, sweat and some tears...am I right?!

Either way, when we found out our church was doing some special holiday child care this week I signed up the quads and wrote a check for their stay faster than you can say "sanity." Yesterday (Tuesday) they attended from 9:45am until 6pm and it was glorious! The husband and I dropped them off then went straight to the movies, indulging in popcorn and coke. Then we headed home and tackled various sundry projects and I wrapped or bagged ALL our Christmas gifts and stashed then under the tree! 

No seriously, it was a showdown. My living room went from this...

....to this!!

I made sure to have dinner mostly ready before we went to pick up the kids, so we could eat as soon as they came home. Then we gave them baths and read some more Christmas books before bed.

As they simultaneously learn about Santa Clause and, more importantly, the story of Baby Jesus, it's made this holiday one of the most exciting ones yet. They understand now that they are receiving presents and get ecstatic at the very thought. It's taking every ounce of their self control (and constant reminders from mama and dada) not to tear into those goodies under the tree! Especially when they're wrapped in adorable Christmas Bubble Guppies, Cars and Frozen paper. I can practically see them drooling and their eyes glaze over.

Yesterday morning, Christmas Eve, we were shamelessly reminding them they will get gifts after dinner at Meemaw's house that evening if they behave well. It's been a handy bribe thus far! They were all cranky and hangry before breakfast, but tears soon dissolved into smiles and they obediently helped clean the table and put their shoes on after we ate. Then the husband and Harrison dropped the girls and I off at the gym while they went on to get hair cuts. I love those sweet guys and how they get to do things together!

The girls were excited to go play at the kids club in the gym and Logan escorted Kailey and Trystan inside then turned around and said, "You go work, mommy?"

"Yes, baby, mommy is going to go work out and I'll be right back!"

"Okay, see you later!" 

She happily closed the door and ran off and I am still relishing the fact that they don't cry or get upset when we go to familiar places like the gym, church and school. It makes me feel so much happier when I drop them off knowing they are happy!

Fun fact: my crew loves looking thru all my magazines, though sometimes they get too excited and pages get ripped. Needless to say, my latest issue I wanted to read while on the bike yesterday morning was a bit tattered. It's cool.

Afterward, the husband did lunch and naps and I darted out into the madness for one final gift we added to the roster last minute. We made it to dinner at my parents house last night in the nick of time, enjoying a fun-filled night of delicious food, camaraderie and gifts. The kids are loving it all!

my mom and all her grandkids

myself (in white) and my three siblings with my mom

funny faces!

When we got home, the quads excitedly helped us set out cookies and milk for Santa. They may have tried to eat the Oreos a couple different times, but we just kept explaining it's a snack for Santa when he comes to leave their gifts.

The stockings are stuffed and laid out for little hands to explore. Gifts are ready and waiting. We're hurriedly preparing breakfast and can hear the quads rustling around in their rooms already—a rare thing since they normally sleep in late, especially after such a late bedtime! They must know it's Christmas!

We'll have Christmas at home this morning followed by Christmas dinner at the husband's parents tomorrow evening. How are you spending the holiday this year?

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!