Christmas 2012

What a wonderful Christmas we had this year! We have always said, "when we have kids, we want to stay home on Christmas and start our own traditions." Well, this year was the start of many magical at-home Christmases.  Being our first run, I'd say we have a few adjustments to make for next year; but overall, it was so wonderful!

One of the main reasons we moved back to Redding was so our kids could grow up having strong influence from and relationship with their grandparents and family. We are already seeing the deep value in this. For me, Christmas this year illustrated the incredible blessing of living near family. Starting at 9 AM and going until after 2, we had a stream of close family coming by to celebrate the holiday. Our kids were showered with generosity and love; I thought my heart was going to explode.

Jer and I also tried our hand at home-made cinnamon rolls. A 2 day process that definitely paid off. Those will most definitely be a staple at the Pagan Family Christmas from now on.

Some highlight gifts are:
A wagon for both kids
A cash register
Lots of play food
A quiet book
Clothes and shoes
A way-too-real doll stroller
Wee-sing movie (One of my favorites as a kid)
A letter factory


This might be the best Christmas I have ever had. Even though it was a little chaotic, the chaos was joy to my heart.

Christmas takes on a whole new meaning when viewed through the eyes of children.

Pez for breakfast, Merry Christmas!

New baby carrier

Ryderman loving his Uncle Tay

He really just wants to eat her hair for Christmas