Christmas 2013

There were many firsts on this Christmas 2013. We'll start off with the most important: Lincoln's first Christmas. 

He was dressed up in an adorable cream sweater with trim to match his sister's dresses. He slept through a lot of things, but sadly was overstimulated by the hub-bub of presents and a packed church later that evening. 

Thankfully we got in a quick family picture when he was still in a good mood. Our first family picture in front of a new tree location in this house. Ryan made a good point at the end of November that our tree should go in the family room by the fire place instead of the traditional location in the living room (that we rarely use anyway). It proved to be the PERFECT spot. We enjoyed that tree to the fullest! 

Shane met Lincoln for the first time and agreed that he is one. BIG. boy. 

Instead of traveling for Christmas this year, we made a family decision some time ago that it would be good to stay home. In previous years, we had to celebrate our own Christmas before the big day which meant Santa came early. You would think most kids would love that....well, not ours (and I'm actually finding this to be true with other kids too). Last year, with tears in her eyes, Regan asked if Santa could come ON Christmas day. We couldn't resist her pleas and decided to stay put. In doing so, both sets of grandparents picked a day and came up to celebrate with us.
So on Christmas eve, it was the Friederich side:   

Before bed on Christmas eve, the girls said "good bye" to our lovely Elf, Ellie. 

More tears. 

Poor Regan loves this elf. And in true Regan fashion, she whipped up some real tears and sobbed herself to sleep. It was wildly sad. 

The next morning, as the girls raced to the tree, they found oodles of presents, along with this note. 

Together we read Ellie's note. Regan started and after the first sentence, threw herself on the bed, covered her eyes and sobbed. Poor thing. She really loves Ellie. He ranks right up there with Santa. 

Nothing like some presents to make her feel happy again though! Ryan and I looked at the tree and agreed that Santa sure brought a lot of presents. 

The girls were over the moon excited. Gift after gift, they would scream and remind us that they had told Santa to buy ____ (fill in the blank). Regan scored big with a dog...don't worry, it's a toy. Zoomer the dog doesn't keep much of a charge, but it's learning tricks and is pretty fun. 

Sidney adores her baby monkey, another toy. She's named her Bananas and it has taken over all of Lincoln's baby gear. Currently Bananas is hanging out in his swing taking a nap. But soon she will wake up, need a diaper change, a bottle and want to play. She makes all sorts of noises too. 

Oh and there's a Doc McStuffins check up center, Barbie camper, Lite Brix and more. 

 Later on Christmas day, we were joined by my parents for Christmas dinner and more presents. Lincoln slept most of the day away while the girls opened his gifts. Regan was introduced to Christmas Story and learned that it replays over and over throughout the day so whatever she missed the first time, she was sure to see later (this happens to be one of my all time favorite movies). 

We have to agree, it was an incredibly Merry Christmas 2013. We are so thankful for health and happiness and feel blessed to have a new baby boy in our lives. 

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!