We had a wonderful, quiet family Christmas in Austin this year. Charlotte got to have all four of her grandparents in one room for a day, paradise for her!! On Christmas Eve, we went to the children's service at our church. The little girls were angels and the little boys were shephards for the Christmas story. It was so adorable. Charlotte got to bring home her halo, and she still puts it on and remembers where it came from. Afterwards we went to JaJa and Papaw's lake house for JaJa's Mexican casserole and Martha's homemade tamales and salsa. Yum!! For anyone who didn't know, JaJa and Papaw lost their beautiful home and all of their memories in the hill country wildfires this fall. After such a sad Christmas last year missing David for the first time, it just didn't seem fair to see their hearts broken again. I can't imagine losing every ornament that my children made me, all of our handmade stockings, a beautiful Christmas village and 40 years of Christmas memories in one blink. But JaJa and Papaw are very special, they know the meaning of Christmas and they know how to find joy in each day regardless of the circumstance. God sent them many angels this Christmas to help bring them that joy. The packages began rolling in around Thanksgiving - their family and friends all sent special ornaments and quickly there was not a single empty spot on their new tree. A perfect stranger who heard their story sent a 90 year old nativity scene which was rescued from their own house fire. It was their family heirloom but they wanted the Thompson's to have it. JaJa made an advent wreath for the table. We had everything we needed, Christmas felt complete, it was a great reminder that Christmas is not about things at all. We opened lots of presents, the boys had a wrapping paper roll fight and Charlotte enjoyed playing with some new toys. The Thompson's came to spend the night at our house so they could be there first thing to see what Santa brought. Charlotte got a new kitchen and a new baby doll this year. What fun! Nana and Pops came into town and spent the afternoon and evening with us. We had a wonderful time. We all shared a delicious steak dinner, good wine and good dessert. Brooke came down to play after dinner and we all had fun being entertained by them! We had a very special Christmas, I am so thankful that we enjoy our family time so much and hope that we pass that along to our children.
Santa brought a train to JaJa and to our house this year around our Christmas trees! What a hit! I think it was the highlight of Charlotte's Christmas!
Our little family of four!
Papaw's new coat - we tried to replace his down coat from the 70's, ha!!
New blocks!
Family tradition :)
Look who joined right in!
Christmas morning - a new school bus!
A train from JaJa and Papaw
and a strawberry necklace in her stocking
Love this pic
St. Nick came on Christmas Eve this year since Mommy was out of town on St. Nicholas Day. He didn't want Mama to miss out on the fun!
Another Christmas story this year, successful potty training!! Charlotte was READY and didn't want to wait another day so we took her up on it! She had 3 accidents Christmas Eve morning and then never looked back! Yay for my big girl!!!!
Snuggle break with Papaw, new baby and lovie
Back to playing!
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
We walked down to Brooke's after breakfast to exchange gifts. Brooke got Charlotte a bubble gun, one of her favorite toys!
Pretty girl
Santa hats for dessert - so cute and so easy!
Charlotte loves her Nana and Pops, we are so glad they drove all the way down to spend Christmas with us!
Snuggle time with Nana before bed
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