Christmas has a new spirit

They say kids make Christmas more fun and I agree, but there was a new spirit that surrounded our family this Christmas. The miracle of a baby somehow made a lot more sense to me. A baby alone is so miraculous, but born in a manager to a virgin mother to save us? Absolutely amazing and I have never been so thankful. I felt my spirit restored this Christmas every time I looked at Piper and that is what made Christmas more fun for me this year.

Piper didn't care about her presents. Not to say she hasn't enjoyed them now, but she didn't open a present and her face light up like I watched her cousins do (especially when I gave Avery a microphone on a stand- you would have thought I gave her a sparkly unicorn that flew in from Antarctica), but Christmas was more fun for me this year than it ever has been. From picking out the tree to Santa coming 2 days early.

As Christmas approached, I loved capturing Piper sitting by the Christmas tree each morning. It made me stop and thank God each morning for my many blessings. 

Piper enjoyed rocking in the rocking chair that my mom had when she was little when celebrating Christmas at Nanny's house. 

On Dec 20th our high school girlfriends got together to enjoy each other and have our kids play together. I'm so thankful for these girls even though our lives have taken us in different directions. Shannon hosted us in Blythewood where we all grew up and it was just like old times. Tripp and Piper 'flirted' with each other all night....it was hilarious to watch. Piper loved playing with Allie because she made her feel like the big girl at the party. Absolutely adorable.

Piper finally got to meet Santa for the first time at the Riverbanks Zoo. Mom had Brady and Avery so we took advantage of a cold/rainy night that had the zoo almost empty. Luckily we had Santa to ourselves because the only way Avery was getting anywhere close is if Grant sat on his lap!

I had to work in Charlotte on Christmas Eve so Santa came to visit a couple of days early. Since I was interrogated by Brady about how Santa comes early I'm super glad that it was because I wrote a letter asking him to come to make sure Piper didn't miss her first Christmas since we would be spending the night at Gigi's house. 

I think Santa did pretty good, but Piper's favorite was the tags on the clothes. That's about right. 

Our Christmas Eve tradition has been to go to Mama and Papa's house for as long as I can remember. It is has evolved and changed quite a bit, but I couldn't love watching these kids play together more! 

We left Mama and Papa's to go Gigi and Pappy's house to spend the night. We had a great time celebrating with their friends and catching up with family. We went to mass (Piper slept most of the time with her candy cane) and came back to open presents. Again, Piper wasn't overly excited about presents but LOVES Gigi's library room. 

Christmas Day we headed to Charlotte to celebrate with my Dad, Cyndi, Cross and Gillis

Piper and Gma

One of Piper's favorite toys is this flying hamburger that she got from MeeMaw (Cyndi's mom). She laughs so hard when it goes everywhere. She also loves her rocking dragonfly. Brady enjoyed showing her how to use it.

Piper loves being tickled. Aunt Sassy was getting her and then Avery wanted in on the action. Too cute not to post! 

Friday morning (the morning after Christmas) couldn't have been any better. It was 7:00am and we had a bed full of the cutest kids in the world. They love being together, but apparently Piper doesn't like sharing her morning momma snuggles. 

Birdie and Bogey came up to Charlotte on Friday and we enjoyed even more Christmas. As usual, they spoiled us all completely rotten, but Piper can't wait for her Daddy to take her on a bike ride in her new seat. 

Piper's favorite toy was actually given to Avery. (Luckily she agreed to 'store' it at our house in Columbia so Piper continues to play it). 

We gave Avery a trampoline (thank you Ben and Bogey for putting together the next day). All 3 kids loved playing on it! And it was thankfully exhausting. 

On the way home from Charlotte we got to hold another sweet gift of Christmas. My best friend Jennifer had her sweet Anne Stuart on December 22nd and what a gift she is. I couldn't even remember holding Piper when she was this tiny (well she was never this tiny....born at 9lbs 3oz)

We were spoiled rotten by all of our wonderful families, but what an amazing Christmas this was for our family. Grant and I talked and reflected many times over the month how thankful we are that our Lord and Savior sent his only Son to be born in a manager to save us all. To allow us to live this life. I can't wait to continue to tell Piper about her Savior and read the Christmas story to her each year. 

We love you, Piper Grace. Thank you for renewing the spirit of Christmas!!