{last one, I promise!} We spent Christmas Eve with the Zaepfel family – my parents, Uncle Kyle, Aunt Ashley, Grandpa & Rosie. Jeff, Ash, & I hosted our traditional 3-course fondue dinner – always a favorite. We went to our church’s Christmas Eve service and took the boys in for the first few songs-well, they were so good they stayed with us the whole time – it’ll be a sweet memory of them sitting on our laps snuggling & singing Christmas songs. We also got to have candlelight for the first time in years – made me so happy!
We were able to spend our first Christmas morning together just the four of us and it was really sweet. We opened stockings in our PJ’s, read the Christmas story in the Bible, gave the boys just a couple special gifts, and just spent time together. It was so nice–and there is nothing like watching your kids get lose-their-minds excited about gifts you’ve picked out for them. We kept it small but meaningful and they loved them–Jeff & I had the biggest smiles on our faces watching them play with their things (favorite toy from us: little shopping carts with food. They love to play check-out & have me “scan” their purchases then pay for them-”Mommy do the beep beeps!”).
After that, we hopped over to my parents’ house for our traditional brunch & opening gifts. Jeff may or may not have spent a good chunk of present opening time helping Lane do his business on the potty while we were entertained overhearing his singing, book-reading, & words of encouragement to his son. 
Then we had naps, Christmas dinner with the fam, ate cake & sang Happy Birthday to Jesus (the boys were so cute!), and hit the road for Hilton Head! Yep, as predicted – best Christmas ever. Until next year…
-
- Christmas Eve cuties
-
- Zaepfels, Pyles, & Pullens!
-
- the best we could get.
-
- I love outtakes. this is us with two 2′s!
-
- Ash “walking” with the boys. much laughing ensued.
-
- love my sister!!
-
- photo bomb.
-
- love him.
-
- Zaepfel ladies.
-
- a little Christmas Tebowing, obviously.
-
- the newlyweds
-
- opening stockings Christmas morning
-
- going shopping with their new carts
-
- Gramma made them personalized Curious George story books – AMAZING.
-
- Lane lovin’ on Gramma after he got his book.
-
- he loves his aunt.
-
- helping Pop Pops open his present
-
- yes, the newlyweds unknowingly bought each other the same present.
-
- to embarrass him later.
What a fun Christmas it was – so glad there were twin boys to brighten the holiday and make us all laugh. They were so awesome and so fun- and their parents were pretty enjoyable also. Thanks to both Lauren and Ash for the dinner – so nice to have the load shared!
Thanks for all the great pictures Lauren. We loved seeing what a great family we have on that side of the ocean. Love you!