christmas // nighttime

Our second Christmas at my parents’s house was really low-key, which was great. The kids had all day at home to relax and enjoy and decompress from their first Christmas, so spirits were high and everyone had a great time (there was even some Christmas-themed BINGO!). It was wonderful to spend time with my family; I really wish I got to see my brothers more often.

christmas // nighttime

christmas // nighttime

christmas // nighttime

christmas // nighttime

christmas // nighttime

christmas // nighttime

christmas // nighttime

christmas // nighttime

christmas // nighttime

christmas // nighttime

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christmas // daytime

This year we did things a little differently on Christmas day — it was partly intentional (working around my brother’s crazy fireman’s schedule) and partly unintentional (postponing Christmas with my in-laws because they have been very ill). In any case, here is our “home” Christmas (just us and the kids). Damian gave me a new camera lens for Christmas — WOOHOO! — so you might notice a difference in quality after the first few shots. It works SO well in low light/indoors. I can’t believe it.

Zane got lots of wooden vehicles (including a forklift!), and Lillia’s big present was a star-themed “kid cave” in the basement — it was a lot of work to get everything done in time for Christmas (thanks, Mom & Dad), but so worth it. There’s a video of the “big reveal” at the end of this post. Her reaction was priceless :) Of course, she immediately started “customizing” the space (as was my hope). She’s working on a mural of some sort on the big blank wall next to the stairs. I’ll be posting more photos of the space in a couple of days as part of my New Year’s Resolutions Review for 2013.

christmas eve

christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

Christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

christmas 11

christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

christmas // daytime

Lillia Christmas Day from Kelli Wilson on Vimeo.

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merrymaking

From “A Christmas Carol” by George Wither:

So now is come our joyful feast,
Let every man be jolly;
Each room with ivy leaves is dressed,
And every post with holly.
Though some churls at our mirth repine,
Round your foreheads garlands twine,
Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,
And let us all be merry.

advent details

Advent calendars

Zane cutting paper

Winter greenery

more winter greenery

Zane decorating

Zane needs a boost

Zane through the tree

Zane making a wreath

Homemade wreath

Lillia decorating

Zane decorating the tree 2013 from Kelli Wilson on Vimeo.

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