tidings of great joy

Oh, you guys, Christmas was so amazing this year. It wasn't about the presents, although we were all spoiled way beyond what I could have imagined. It was more that I just felt so thankful, so blessed, to be surrounded by the amazing people who make up my family. The people who love us unconditionally, and have rallied around us again and again all through this long, awful year. Celebrating Christmas with them this year was absolutely priceless. More than ever, I felt the truth of the words, "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." (We're still watching The Grinch around here pretty regularly, if you couldn't tell.)

And then there was Andrew's face, when he saw the tree on Christmas morning for the first time. I can't look at this picture without my eyes filling with tears. His sweet little sleepy face, so full of innocence and amazement. This, right here, is what Christmas is all about:

This will henceforth be known as The Christmas Pixar Puked In Our House. The boys got enough Cars and Toy Story memorabilia to last them a lifetime, and they've spent the past three days doing nothing but playing with all of it. They're going back to daycare tomorrow, because I can tell they're anxious to get back into a routine, but I know they've enjoyed all the time they've had to play with their new toys. And I've enjoyed all the extra time I've been able to spend with them this week. My precious little guys. They're the best Christmas gift I could ever receive.

Here are a few several more pictures of our Christmas:

Christmas Eve. I could not get them to look at the camera.

After "Santa" came on Christmas Eve. Also the first photo I've ever successfully taken in manual mode on my camera!

Andrew's new bike, already missing a pedal. Will is just pretty darn happy.

Modeling his new Lightning McQueen slippers.

Yes, we got them a bag of pretzel M&Ms. They love those things, as you can probably tell by their faces.

Dinner on Christmas Day.

Their gigantic new Buzz Lightyears, a gift from my mother-in-law.

Lastly, check out the sunset as we were driving home on Christmas Day:

I feel like that was God's Christmas gift to us.