'Twas the Season!

Well, it always seems like it's just going to take forever to get here.. and like it's just going to last and last once it's really "time"...  but then, inevitably, it just sneaks right up on me. And right back on out, just as quickly.


But this year, it was a little different. Since my sister and her family weren't able to come up to Ohio until a few days after Christmas, we did get to prolong the whole Christmas celebration just a wee bit longer. And for that, I am thankful.

But really, I mean, on our first celebration this year - just a few days before the 25th, with Jared's side - I could barely believe it was even TIME to already be celebrating Christmas! (Plus.. it was raining and crazy warm that day, so it felt so much like spring..)

And although I may have not really felt ready... I'm pretty sure there were just a few Himes kiddos that were thinking it was just about time for finally getting their hands on some of these presents they had been hearing about for weeks... ;)

Like.. this kid, for example. Showing off his new "Monster Stuff!"

All my guys, working together.

 Presents, presents...

 And me with my AMAZING new Adirondack chair that my brother-in-law Tyler BUILT just for me! Easily one of the best gifts I've ever been given. Love it.

 

And then a little post-present playing time with everyone and all the new toys.

 

Girl stuff  ;)

Miriam had to get a closer look.. from her Mommy's back :)

And then a few days later, right on schedule... Santa paid his visit... :)

 Just before the boys came down....

 Here they come :)

Peeking at the stockings before Graham and Daddy woke up

 Sorting them all out into piles

 My beautiful Christmas boys in my new chair♥

 

 And all of us on Christmas morning! 

(this was like Try 14.. Graham was done. lol)

 Present time!

 He got his Ogre.. finally. :)

 Busy playing already 

 Getting help from big brother

 Time to put the pony farm together....

 Daddy's annual silly Christmas morning shot :)

 Showing off his new Green Lantern jet

 Getting out the pieces for me....

 Yup. That happened. (Way easier that way, right Bridger? Ha!)

 Step by step...

 My helpers.

 Building Cootie Bugs

 Bridger lost interest in the pony farm project.

 

But Graham hung on!

 And then my family came over for breakfast with us!

 It's finally put together!!!

 Waving :)

 Mimi and Bryce

 Uncle Tyler B was in charge of putting the stage coach together.

 Was I having more fun playing with it than Bridger? lol

 Selfie attempt :)

 Late morning snooze for Pap Pap and Paddington

 I think Bryce was ready for a present :)

 ♥

 Wii Bowling!

It was fun :)

 And now for some Tennis!

And a few days later... it was Christmas all over again at Mimi's, with Meg and her family♥

♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥        ♥ 

They are loud and ornery and needy, and they will try every single ounce of patience in your body.. but good Lord are they worth it.

 Joss and Holden

 And more and more presents....

Mimi got tickets to see Wicked :) I think she was surprised.

 Meg. Always on the floor with the kids. 

(And this visit, always with a kid named Graham by her side♥)

 Pap Pap

 Never ever a shortage of helpers around here

 Na na na na na na na na... Batman!! I love it.

 Bryce and his awesome new Spiderman Bike!

 My little sister and brother♥

 I missed me.. but I got the best part.

And... beat. He passed out soon after.

So yes, Christmas was ready this year before I was. And it came. And I was sometimes stressed. And sometimes life always seems so complicated.

But the kids? The kids just made it. They don't care what the calendar says. They were together. And they were happy.

And it's always magic for them.


Today my sister and her family are driving back home to Mississipi. And all we're left with are the photos and the memories.

 And just like that, it's gone again.