Christmas '18

August 22, 2019

Christmas '18

Getting the Christmas decorations out is the most anticipated day of the year (the kids would argue that it's actually Christmas morning they anticipate most, but you should see their excitement when we get the bins out of storage in the garage!) The great reveal of the decoration tubs is accompanied by hot chocolate and a Christmas movie. Messes were made, but so were plenty of memories.

My girlfriend, Nicki, came to visit on our girls baking day.

We had to show Nicki our beautiful beaches; she came on a very chilly week, so we were freezing in the 60 degree temps!

Graham is the coconut finder of the family. Coconut water is a Rockley fave!

The girls decided they wanted to make a batch of gingerbread cookies and deliver them to the neighbors. Although a fun project, the cookie dough did not turn out too well, but they cared very little about the taste. Process, not product.

Alastair's Decathlon birthday party at the park was huge hit! They competed in ten relay-style events and ate pizza and cupcakes.

The Wheelbarrow

Alastair and his buddy, Mason.

Second annual girls pajama Christmas party with a few of their friends.

Since we never get to see snow anymore, we make sure to see the fake snowfall on Naples' iconic 3rd Street South. It's super festive Holiday fun!

Christmas Eve Grinch Punch. The kids were giddy about Christmas and the fact that Grandma and Grandpa flew in just a few hours prior to spend Christmas with us.

Girl photo op with Nonni.

It is tradition to read The Night Before Christmas before we go to bed on Christmas Eve. Maisy was happy to oblige.

Let the present opening begin. Alastair is wearing at least four of his gifts. Notice it is still DARK outside....kids were up by 6:00am.

Grandma and Grandpa were up bright and early to see the kiddos on Christmas morning.

A pair of twin elves.

The making of the traditional cherry pastries. Everyone looks forward to these all year!

And they turned out beautifully!

Francis is playing with her new game, Googly Eyes.

Nonni and Granna exchanging gifts.

The aftermath!

We must visit the beach on Christmas Day!....along with everyone else in Naples.

Our friends, Olya and Ben, host a backyard Christmas dinner on Christmas night. Olya really is the hostess with the mostest! What a beautiful table setting.

The kids were happy to have Damien here for the Holidays!

Our outdoor Christmas Dinner.

After the hustle and bustle of Christmas festivities, we took Grandma and Grandpa on a few Florida adventures. This was a baby alligator we got to pet at Jungle Erv's before we took an airboat ride in the Everglades.