Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!

 

 

 

Of course at 2, Hardin is not at all aware of the true meaning of Christmas, but the one thing he understands is that it's Baby Jesus' birthday.  He's been singing it for weeks, telling his teachers we are having a party for Baby Jesus, etc.  That made Christmas a little extra special this year. 

One of my Grandmother Thornberry's most favorite traditions was to make Baby Jesus Cake and have all of the grandchildren sing happy birthday Christmas Eve.  I waited way too late to light the candles and the kids were sleepy, but Hardin hung in there to sing and blow out the candles.  A couple of times!

The rest of our Christmas revolved around the little kids.  Mimi was in town so we thought it would be fun for all her grands to spend the night together so she could be with them Christmas morning.  It was so much fun other than poor Mimi coming down with a stomach bug Christmas Eve, and Justin being under the weather as well. 

I really can't explain how happy Hardin is when his cousins are around, and how much more outgoing and crazy he is as well.  For the most part when he's alone he plays quietly and entertains himself.  When his best buds are here he's a silly little mess!  Watching them always makes me want to rush to have another.  He loves them so much.  His cousin Austin too. 

Santa was very good to everyone.  Hardin got tons of fire truck paraphernalia, including a huge fire truck with an operational ladder, and a full fireman suit.  He has worn that jacket constantly unless we have peeled it off for naps and baths.  Since mama returned the impulse buy bike a while ago because it was too big, he also got a well researched balance bike to replace it.  Jason got SEC Championship Tickets and socks.  I got a new camera lens and a tea kettle from Hardin. 

Santa also left an extra special note for Cawley.  It went over much better than we could have imagined when the one and only thing he asked for was broken. 

My family came over Christmas Eve, and evidently I was too busy running around to take pictures. I do have videos though.  We all had a great time and Austin and Cawley enjoyed having another "older kid" around to play with. 

The best part of this Christmas was certainly having a house full of little giggles and screams.  I am so thankful Cat & Justin brought their crew up.  I know it was a hassle, but I think we'd all agree it was worth the craziness for us to all be together.