kroening family: christmas 2011

once again our christmas holiday went by just as fast as it came. it seems there is never enough time to accomplish all of the crazy ideas I have in my head. I have to find content in knowing that I did enough. enough to make the season magical for the boys and enough to help continue to create the memories that I know they will eventually remember forever. even if I don't manage to pull off all of the martha stewart details that I wish I had gotten around to, I can look back at the pictures and know that christmas was special. we spent it surrounded by our amazing family - and not one pinterest idea could beat that in a million years. so here is a quick photo spread of the fun times we had...followed up with a video montage of a few extra moments caught on film. oh how I love the holiday season!

christmas eve - we spent the whole day at nana and papa's house (my parents) with almost all of the family. baby quinn and her mom and dad were in south dakota this year, but we will celebrate the new year with them in just a quick week. the little boys all had matching pjs and were lucky enough to spend nearly the entire day snuggled up in them.

we figured that we should avoid any late evening gift opening tantrums by starting the morning out with brunch and presents. brilliant. after naps we changed clothes and headed to church.

christmas eve church service is one of my favorites. I love that the pews are crammed with familiar faces of those who live far away, but have returned to be with their loved ones for the holidays. I love the carols, the decorations, and all of the little ones dressed up in their christmas outfits. I remember packing the pew with all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins and staring in awe as they reenacted the story of HIS birth. it's not christmas without that moment and I am filled with a sense of peace knowing that our children are experiencing the same things.

christmas morning was all about waffles for breakfast...

until miles remembered that santa had come! I couldn't believe that it took a little reminder from us to get him to recall that it was, in fact, christmas morning. pretty sure that won't happen again...ever.

they were thrilled with the spread on the mantle and just as excited about exchanging the gifts under the tree.

miles was so happy about his new outfit that he insisted he put it on...over his jammies. can you guess what was worn to grandpa's house?? (sans pjs this time)

grandpa and the rest of the kroenings spoiled the boys.

on a side note: plastic lined wrapping paper makes for some priceless photos.

as does the water/glitter glass. henry thought he was going to get soaked and miles ever-so-carefully tried to dump it into the sink. after he realized nothing would come out, he nervously hid it in the pantry.

they were in love with all of the new trucks and tractors, but seemed most enamored by uncle clayton's new socket wrench set. I guess next year we know what to get them :)

henry soaked up the sun while napping on the couch and we all were in need of our beds early that night.

for the first time EVER we did not celebrate christmas eve night with the greseth family. this was certainly an adjustment, but one that was necessary as all of my cousins are growing up, getting married, and starting their own families. not celebrating is not an option. this amazing close-knit extended family is one the things I am proudest about. I know that they are responsible for the person I am today and I cannot imagine the christmas season going by without a houseful of greseths...or a plateful of Norwegian goodness. bring on the meatballs, polsa, and lefse. yum.