It's been 7 days since Christmas, and I'm still smiling about it. It seems like the past few years I've carried expectations of how I wanted Christmas to go, and I've walked away from it at the end disappointed because things didn't go exactly as I planned.
But this year was so different. I didn't have any plans, no expectations... except for one. I wanted to see presents laid out in the sand and watch the boys open gifts in a place that they'd probably never open them again- the beaches of Thailand!
And that's what happened. We woke up on Christmas Eve, later than usual because we'd been traveling the day before. The weather was beautiful- sun shining, ocean breeze blowing, and the sound of waves beating repeatedly against the shore. We spent the morning having breakfast, relaxing, and just enjoying time together. After lunch, the boys were anxious to head to the beach, and it seemed like the perfect time to load up all their presents and have our Christmas.
You can't have Christmas without a tree, so we carried a small tree with us from India and Jack was our official planter of the tree!
Once the tree was ready, the boys hit the water.
Jason and I took advantage of the down time and relaxed in some beach chairs.
Once they were tired and the thrill of the waves was over, they found a seat while we set up the gifts.
The natives got very restless in those few minutes!
Finally, it was time. We made them close their eyes...
Count to three...
And turn around to see this year's spread!
They were pretty happy with all that came their way!
Jack's big present this year was a surprise... and iPad mini! With all the traveling we do, Jack's outdated iPod just wasn't up-to-par anymore. This boy has the most grateful heart! He cannot open gifts (even the simplest of things) without "ooh-ing and aah-ing" and gasping at each item! It makes my heart happy to see his joy in receiving!
Max was equally excited to open his big gift... a Nintendo 3DS! He's been using Jack's hand-me-down that is barely hanging on. I think their technological needs have all been met for a while!
They got a heap of stuff, but the stockings are always a hit. They can't seem to dig into them fast enough.
When it was over, we loaded it all up and headed back to our hotel where they could really open everything up and play.
It was perfect- everything about it.
I hope it's a memory these boys hang on to for quite a while!
It's definitely going down as one of my favorite Christmases EVER! Merry Christmas, Jack and Max!
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Let me introduce you to the main character of this year's Christmas- this guy...
But this year was so different. I didn't have any plans, no expectations... except for one. I wanted to see presents laid out in the sand and watch the boys open gifts in a place that they'd probably never open them again- the beaches of Thailand!
And that's what happened. We woke up on Christmas Eve, later than usual because we'd been traveling the day before. The weather was beautiful- sun shining, ocean breeze blowing, and the sound of waves beating repeatedly against the shore. We spent the morning having breakfast, relaxing, and just enjoying time together. After lunch, the boys were anxious to head to the beach, and it seemed like the perfect time to load up all their presents and have our Christmas.
You can't have Christmas without a tree, so we carried a small tree with us from India and Jack was our official planter of the tree!
Once the tree was ready, the boys hit the water.
Jason and I took advantage of the down time and relaxed in some beach chairs.
Once they were tired and the thrill of the waves was over, they found a seat while we set up the gifts.
The natives got very restless in those few minutes!
Finally, it was time. We made them close their eyes...
Count to three...
And turn around to see this year's spread!
They were pretty happy with all that came their way!
Jack's big present this year was a surprise... and iPad mini! With all the traveling we do, Jack's outdated iPod just wasn't up-to-par anymore. This boy has the most grateful heart! He cannot open gifts (even the simplest of things) without "ooh-ing and aah-ing" and gasping at each item! It makes my heart happy to see his joy in receiving!
Max was equally excited to open his big gift... a Nintendo 3DS! He's been using Jack's hand-me-down that is barely hanging on. I think their technological needs have all been met for a while!
They got a heap of stuff, but the stockings are always a hit. They can't seem to dig into them fast enough.
When it was over, we loaded it all up and headed back to our hotel where they could really open everything up and play.
It was perfect- everything about it.
I hope it's a memory these boys hang on to for quite a while!
It's definitely going down as one of my favorite Christmases EVER! Merry Christmas, Jack and Max!
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Let me introduce you to the main character of this year's Christmas- this guy...
He's such a trooper for my crazy ideas! He didn't sign up to drag a more than 50 lb. suitcase across sand. He's not much on laying out blankets, organizing gifts, or setting things up exactly like I instruct! But he was priceless. I love his servant's heart and that he did it all with that cute smile you see above! Maybe next year, I won't be 7.5 months pregnant, and I can resume my role, Jason! Thank you for making Christmas 2013 happen!
Love this! So fun!
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