Hild Family Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve at the farm tonight.  Jim, Janis, Jay, Julie, Adam, Don, Barb, and the three of us were there.  We got there around 1:30 and spent the whole day together.  We built Gingerbread Houses, opened presents, and started some new traditions around a beautifully set dinner table with a delicious Christmas meal. 

It all started when Beckett met Don... Don made his duck voices and Beckett was fascinated! He listened to his stories and funny voices all night, and they became good buds.

Here Beckett is with Barb, who he kept walking to and from!  Janis brought this ottoman up from the basement for Beckett to cruise around, and it was the perfect height.

The coffee table had a beautiful runner and some lovely decorations that had to be put away...The little guy wanted to put everything in his mouth!

At one point, he got a little tired from all of his adventures, so he took a little rest here...

Snuggling with Dad!

Grandpa and Beckett played with the train.  Beckett wanted to eat the conductor...

Shonn was hard at work on his gingerbread house, which turned out really cute.

Don and I were a "team" - he was like the general contractor and I was his laborer. I went to help Beckett take a nap and when I got back, our miniature house was perfect!

Adam was a supervisor.

Jay was a spectator.

After the houses came the presents!  Beckett got so many wonderful things. Don and Barb got him the cutest outfit. Grandma and Grandpa got him all kinds of treasures, including some educational toys, like stacking bowls and balls. They also got a really cool ship and matching picture frame made of driftwood to go in his room.  They got a new toybox for him, a cart and wagon, lots of books, a Christmas bib, a keepsake ornament, and more! Even Uncle Jay and Uncle Adam picked out some presents for him!  Something I want to start when Beckett gets a little older is the tradition of giving away as many toys as he gets... I can't wait to teach him how fortunate he is and to help him learn the virtue of generosity. 

Beckett isn't the only one who is blessed! Shonn and I were also showered with gifts, including (my favorite!) a TJ MAXX gift card! Yay!  We also got a new crock to go with our collection, and some mixing bowls.  Jay got me a stocking hat from Cabela's that Shonn thought was cute, and Adam picked out two very thoughtful books, some chocolates, and a lovely woodwick candle.  I'm sure I'm forgetting things - we were overwhelmed with the presents! 

The present of the evening was a gorgegous set of china dishes Don and Barb got for Janis.  She said she'd always wanted a set, so they purchased an antique Noritake set for her.  She was so touched and we used them for our family feast!  Isn't it a lovely table?

Finally it was time to eat.  The smells from the kitchen were so tasty, and the food was, too! Grandpa Hild carved the turkey while everyone else formed an assembly line to set the table and get the food ready to go.

We sat down to eat turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls, and Grandpa Hild said the prayer.  Everything was delicious!

Even Beckett loved the mashed potatoes!

After we were done eating, we learned about the tradition of the Yule Log and Janis passed around a cake she made that corresponded with the tradition. (I can't remember the name - it was French and very fancy!)  We each took turns sharing a gift God blessed us with this year (or two) and lighting a candle.  Once we all took turns, we sang "Silent Night" and blew out the candles. It was really nice!

Before we knew it, it was time to go.  Beckett (in his Christmas pjs) started his sleepy song and cuddled up on Don.  (He snuggled with Julie, too, but I don't have a picture.)  Shonn loaded up the car while we cleared the table. Janis had to-go plates full of goodies for everyone.  I was sad to leave!  It was such a wonderful evening, full of love, blessings, and family.

Here are some cute pictures of Beckett and his dad from tonight: