Well, well, well… I never intended to take such a long break, but really enjoyed soaking up time with family, as I hope you all did as well! The only thing troubling about being gone for almost a week is the ridiculous amount of pictures I now want to share with you. I really need to pick up scrapbooking, but until I do (read: never), this is my outlet. For those that don’t care to see every detail of our Christmas, I apologize.
I woke up early Christmas eve to make the sweet potato soufflé and pecan pie. There is something magical about spending time alone while it’s still dark out. It was a cozy start to a rainy Christmas eve.
In an untraditional move, we decided to go out for breakfast.
We returned home to play Christmas music, start a fire and prepare a dish for a friend’s gathering.
I was pleased how the wreath turned out and that is was finished in time to set up the tripod for a family photo attempt.
Not too shabby; Koda even snuck in! And one of the girls, of course.
Then we were off to an early dinner and church with friends that generously have invited us along both this year and last.
Once home, I realized we had no cookies for Santa, so we quickly had to rectify that situation.
Then bath, matching jammies, setting out the cookies and carrots and another attempt by mom to capture the magic.
Ha.
It took Hailey hours to fall asleep, so Santa held off coming until late, but he did come!
In the morning, David and I prepared ourselves for the chaos of seeing that Santa brought gifts, but, true to form, Hailey was slow and methodical. She at first was confused who had brought all the dresses downstairs, but upon realizing they were all new and all for her, she spent the entire morning (and honestly everyday since) wearing them.
It took until noon to get through presents, as Hailey treasured each gift opened and wanted to play with each one immediately.
It made for a relaxed and entertaining morning.
We even got to facetime with my family, which is only second best to being with them.
I think one of the few times I don’t overly mind a mess is on Christmas morning. There is magic in that chaos.
The girls took afternoon naps and I was so excited that David’s parents decided to join us. I love big, family Christmases – the more the merrier! We snacked all afternoon, knowing it would be a late dinner.
With extra helping hands, dinner prep was a lot of fun.
The bread machine rolls turned out perfectly. I handed the reigns of the standing rib roast over to David and he went to work, even including a sauce made from homemade mayo. I adore the warm feel of a bustling kitchen.
Eventually the girls went to bed, tired from a fun day, and the adults got ready to enjoy the main event.
The moment of truth… slicing into the prime rib…
David nailed it! Though he combined a few recipes/directions, he did use the Pioneer Woman’s rub and it was delicious.
We finished things up with pecan pie and by then, my eyelids were starting to droop.
Another wonderful Christmas in the books. I am so grateful.
What was your favorite gift given or received this holiday season?
I got a tea kettle and a goat cheese making kit, which I realize makes me sound like oodles of fun to hang out with but I’m really so pumped!
What is the best thing you’ve eaten lately?
I think that award goes to the prime rib. I’m a meat lover and it was just SO good.
Danielle says
it looks like you had a wonderful Christmas! Your family is so beautiful- and those baby girls are precious! The best gift I received, and this sounds entirely cliche, but was to spend time with family and friends- 14 people and 5 dogs! My husband and I are moving overseas for three years so it will be a Christmas we will remember for a long time to come.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh- 5 dogs! Haha I love it! Where are you moving to? For work?
Danielle @ Long May You Run says
The Navy is sending us to Italy (I’m active duty). We’ll be forced to eat pasta and drink homemade wine and lots of gelato. It will be tough… I just hope we can manage it 😉
John J. says
Beautiful portrayal of a wonderful family Christmas! Only thing that could make it better would be if it was combined with ours. Glad it was special. You sure put a lot of loving care into it.
Jessica @ Absurd, She Wrote says
I love hearing about other people’s Christmases, so thanks for sharing. Personally, I received some lovely things but the best two gifts were 1. my 8 week old baby girl and 2. the cat-a-day calendar my husband bought me as a joke. But I don’t joke around about my love of cats, so it was perfect.
Brittany Dixon says
Aw, 8 weeks old!! Congratulations 🙂
Tori@Gringalicious.com says
It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas! Your girls are darling! Hope you have a great new year!
Michelle @ Fit. Flexible. Fabulous. says
That’s really special how Hailey takes her time and savors each gift. That’s not the case with a lot of young kids!
Happy New Year!
Brittany Dixon says
She has been slow, steady and careful since birth- ha! It’s amazing how much is innate.
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
I know what you mean about too many photos over the holidays! What a beautiful set of photos! I can’t wait for my newborn girl to get to Hailey’s age.. I foresee lots of dress up in our future. Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas!
Katie says
Love it! i wasn’t too worried about gifts for myself this year, I did give my dad a minnesota vikings hat, and he loved it, so that felt good.
Brittany Dixon says
Isn’t it the best feeling when you find the perfect gift to give someone?!
Jen says
That looks like so much fun! I kind of love that Hailey takes things slowly and wants to play with everything–seems like it makes the fun moments last so much longer! The best thing I got was seeing my baby girl dressed up in her adorable Christmas dress 🙂 I know, cheesy, but it was amazing and wonderful. She got some toys that will be fun for me to play with, too, (ha!), so that’s nice for me.
Brittany Dixon says
Not cheesy at all! Or else I’m just cheesy too. Little ones dressed up just melt me!
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life says
Sounds like a wonderful Christmas, Brittany! Your girls are just adorable 🙂
Heather says
It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas! My favorite gift given was the kitchen for our kiddos. They’ve been playing with it nonstop and I think it’s going to provide hours of play. Our son, was most smitten with his Buzz Lightyear and Woody toys, though. I loved watching our kids eyes light up Christmas morning. My favorite gift would probably be the IOU from my mom and step-dad. We’re flying out to see them in February and they sent us brochures of things to do (from sightseeing to whale watching and deep sea fishing) and told my husband and I to pick two things to do for dates while we’re there. Hooray!
Brittany Dixon says
Ahhh go whale watching!! Seeing a whale in real life is a dream of mine 🙂 How fun!!
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
Looks like a very merry Christmas friend! Those rolls look AMAZING.
Alex @ get big, go to work says
I can’t get over how adorable your girls are in the pictures above. I had such a nice time reminiscing over old pictures with my mom and sister this weekend. My sister and I are two years apart, and now that we are in our 20’s, it is so much fun to go back and look at the old pictures where we are dressed in matching outfits and some of our ridiculous poses, etc. Your girls will definitely look on those with fond memories. Glad you had such a wonderful Christmas. My favorite gift I received this year was a heart pendant/necklace with my wedding date engraved on it. It was so thoughtful and touching and by far the one that sticks out the most with sentimental meaning.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m glad to hear you laugh over the silly poses and matching outfits. Sometimes I wonder if my girls will despise for them haha! But I know I can only get away with it for so long.
The necklace you received sounds amazing- how special!
Monica says
You have a lovely family! Your husband looks so nice clean-shaven!
My favorite gift was probably one I didn’t end up getting! My husband bought me a ring I’ve admired online from Zales with three aquamarine stones in it (my husband, daughter, & I are all March babies). When he got it, though, it looked nothing like the picture online, so he returned it. He said we’ll go to a jewelry maker and have one made someday instead! I love the thought, though!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ll pass that along to David since he wants to grow the beard back out 😉
Bummer that the ring didn’t turn out like you hoped, but better to return it if you didn’t love it. What a sweet thought!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
It looks like you had an absolutely beautiful Christmas!! I’m with you – the more the merrier! Your Christmas dinner looks delicious… mmm!
Shari says
What a beautiful holiday you had! I love the family photo by the tree — it’s definitely one to be framed! 🙂
Matt says
Sounds like a great Christmas!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
What a fun Christmas! I’m glad you had a good one!
Char eats greens says
It definitely sounds like a good Christmas was had! I love that Hailey wanted to enjoy each present as she opened it. I think that’s so nice!! I felt ours was like mayhem when we went over to Tyler’s parents’ house because gifts were getting opened left, right, and center; it’s definitely something I would love to avoid next year!
I think I need to take advantage of my own time in the morning especially after seeing your early morning baking. That’s so my style and might just convince me to get my butt out of bed!! haha
Josephine sharpe says
Best meal I had over Christmas was Lobster followed by Beef Wellington. We were on a cruise ship this year. I missed being at home with all the decorations and my husbands goose though.