Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animals

I hope everyone had themselves a merry little Christmas, because we sure did!

We spent the holiday weekend in my hometown at my parents' house, and it was so nice to just kick back, relax, and enjoy each other's company. Ryder was also much more aware of what was going on this year, so that made things much more exciting and fun.

Christmas Eve was full of anticipation. Ryder wasn't quite sure what all the fuss was about, but he knew it was exciting. We actually gave him his "big" present early this year -- a play kitchen! And we made sure to adhere to all of our traditional Christmas Eve activities: Holiday movies, Chinese food, church with Mom, and Moscow Mules of course!

Finally, the wait was over and Christmas morning arrived. Ryder could hardly believe his good luck: He could actually rip into all the presents we'd been saying "No, no!" about for weeks!

Is there anything better than the epic mess created on Christmas morning?

Yes, my entire family has matching Christmas jammies, which we wear with pride every year. And of course this Christmas I had to get a pair for my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Morgan. 

Ryder was just as excited about his play cookware as he was about the actual kitchen. 

Yes, even the dog has Christmas jimmies. Go big or go home.

Ryder had some interesting ideas about how to use the tools from the new set his Uncle AJ and Aunt Morgan gave him.

Now that's one good-lookin' family if I do say so myself. There's not much I love more than an outfit theme.

One of my favorite presents this year was a selfie stick! It provided endless entertainment all day long...

It's a tradition in our family for my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins to come over for brunch and a White Elephant gift exchange on Christmas morning. This meant even more selfie stick fun for everyone!

Aren't my grandparents adorable?

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Ryder with his Great Grandma and Great Grandpa.

All tuckered out after a very merry Christmas.

Oh, did you think that was the end of it?

Heck no, my friends.

Ryder still had things to do and people to see. 

Stewart had to work the day after Christmas, but Ryder and I took advantage of the opportunity to spend some time at my Grandma Sally's house.

My Aunt Karen also stopped by with her dog Sophie, and of course Ryder was immediately in love. That kid loves animals so much. I am secretly dreading the day when he asks Santa for a puppy...

And Christmas isn't Christmas without a little Seahawks football!

We attended the last bittersweet Hawkwagon Tailgate of the season, which included a disappointing loss against the Rams. 

Overall, I'd say that Christmas this year was one for the record books. We're learning that every holiday is more and more fun now that we have a child to share it with. Each one seems to contain just a little bit of magic again.

I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful holiday with everyone you love, and may all your Christmases be white...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!