Christmas... a bit delayed

Ok so I'm finally going to post about how Christmas went at the Joki house. Can you believe Mom and Dad woke up before the kids??? I know, strange right? Well we woke up and called for Ethan as we couldn't wait to see his face- and what does he give me- NOTHING!! I told him, look Santa came and he say "I know", silly boy. Well he came downstairs and took in all the presents and became more excited after that.


Here is what our house looked like first thing Christmas morning... pretty cozy right???



Well, we were expecting Papa and Cathy to show up any time but we could tell Ethan was excited so we let him go ahead and do this...







Which seemed to appease him a bit :) When Papa and Cathy finally arrived they brought with them donuts... bless them... and also lots more presents. This is what our house looked like after their arrival...

Then we proceeded with the unwrapping of gifts and all chaos broke out, just look...

Adalyn had more fun picking up the paper than unwrapping gifts...

We all got wonderful presents this year, and had a lovely day. After presents we were treated to pancakes and sausage courtesy of Papa and Cathy and spent a wonderful day together as family. Though we missed those that couldn't be here with us (Ryan and Emily and my whole family) it was a good day filled with happiness.

I hope you all were as lucky as us this Christmas.

Christmas Eve...

The children are nestled all snug in their beds...

The letters to Santa have all been written (for those that can't tell, Ethan has asked for a computer and love for Christmas)

The reindeer have all been fed... (oatmeal and glitter go a long way!)

Santa's cookies are out... (thanks Mom!)

and have been eaten...

The stockings are stuffed...

Santa has visited..

and the presents are under the tree...

Now Mommy is tired and headed to bed...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

BooMama Christmas Tour of Homes

So, this is my first attempt at doing a blog carnival but this one looked like so much fun I had to try. So, over at BooMama's blog she is hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes. Here is a peak at what we've done in our home!

The tree... I love our tree. I used to want the perfect tree, you know the one, all the ornaments match, everything is just so, and I had that tree for awhile. Mine was all red and gold with spiraling ribbon coming from a huge bow on top. I was great! Then I met Eric and we aquired this wonderful tree with it's colorful lights and it screamed fun not formal. So now we have ornaments of all shapes and sizes and most have a meaning- first Christmas ornaments and wedding ornanments and engagement ornaments- even a "parents-to-be" ornament. And without further ado, here is the tree...



And here is the fireplace. I can't take credit for the design as this is the same set-up that Eric's Mom had on her fireplace the last Christmas we had with her. Every time I look at it I think of her.



And the tinsel tree that used to be Eric's Mom's as well. It's really pretty as it rotates around with the different colors bouncing off the silver branches.

First with the flash...



And without...




And you must have a tree in the kitchen... right? Mine is decorated with gingerbread ornaments, too cute!




And the centerpiece on our table. I can't take credit for this either as it was given to me after a party for a dear friend as he graduated from police academy. I loved it and decided it needed to be on my table!



And the garland on our railing to the loft. Not the best picture but I couldn't get a good angle.




Well, I hope you enjoyed the tour of the Joki house. I had fun sharing! Now check out BooMamma's blog and share your own tour!