Elisha Galotti: December 2014

PICTURES ~ CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

We have this little tradition where the night before Christmas, the kids hang these tiny little socks that my mom knit for them. And then in the morning, of course, the huge ones are underneath. (In part, this tradition is helpful because, since we're never at home for Christmas, I'm able to pack the stockings before we leave, but the kids still have something empty to hang by the fireplace.)

They're always delighted at the transformation!

This year the first one down the stairs on Christmas morning was Josh.

Followed by his brother, Jake.

They were allowed to look at them, but had to wait until Ella arrived to dig in.

Finally Ella made her way down in her Daddy's arms.

And the stockings were unpacked!

Now all the Christmas trimmings are packed away until next year...

But it really was a wonderful Christmas.

PICTURES ~ CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK

We were thankful for such a wonderful time with family and loved ones in New York. As always, we came away from our time their overwhelmed with the love, hospitality, and generosity of our family.

Above, our family on Christmas Eve. Below, the children with their Grandpa, Gigi, and Uncle Jimmy.

Christmas Eve and Christmas morning was spent at Grandpa and Gigi's. It was truly a magical, perfect Christmas.

Later on during Christmas morning, we made our way to Grandma's place and spent the rest of the day there. Somehow I forgot to take out my camera until later in the day, so the pictures are a bit sparse. But at least we captured a few moments of all the cousins together.

To our dear New York family,

Thank you, as always, for your love and hospitality.

We love you.

Happy New Year!

xoxo

PICTURES ~ FRIENDS, CHRISTMAS ELVES, & A SNOWY FARM

With only a few hours of 2014 left, it seems time to post the last of the Christmas 2014 pictures. This year was such a wonderful Christmas for our family.

Each year we have an annual Christmas evening with our longtime friends the Bells and the Clarys. This year the Clarys hosted us for dinner and Vicky made the most delicious traditional meal including yorkshire pudding. (Ian's contribution included a fruit pudding that was supposed to catch flame as a dramatic conclusion to the dinner but that, alas, wouldn't light.)

Although we spent Christmas in New York this year, we were able to swing by Ottawa on the way and spend a day with my parents and two of my sisters. Below are the three kids in their new elf hats and pajamas. Our time at the Farm was also the only snow we experienced during the entire holiday season!