Christmasing in Sacramento

This year was such a different Christmas than we Wigs have ever experienced. Not only are we in the middle of a global pandemic, meaning life is already a lot quieter and calmer than normal, but we live in Sacramento now so there's no traveling necessary. This was our first Christmas spent in our new home, just us six little Wigs. It was different, yes, but it was also really good. There are so many things that usually fill our time and I love all of them, but in the quietness of Christmas 2020 the kids and I were able to read a million Christmas stories by the fire, we were able to make gingerbread houses (something we've shockingly not had time to do in years) and we spent at least five or six nights just driving around rating Christmas lights on houses. Come Christmas morning I missed cramming all the cousins in one room to open presents but at the same time it was nice to have a slow and easy and long day where the kids ripped open presents and then immediately broke into them and started to play. In a year so full of emotions, this Christmas season I'm just feeling grateful for so much time with family making memories that I know will last my lifetime. 

Pokemon presents for my three homeschool students--T, Ever and Kai.

Every day I would find more "snow" on the tree, courtesy of Ms. Quinn.

We read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this year, and I sobbed through the last chapter. That is definitely going to be one of my new traditions.

Rate-a-light!

Lemon curd neighbor gifts.

Feliz Navidad with the Wigs.

A whole lot of pictures from Christmas Eve-Eve ice skating...you've been warned!

The most thoughtful gift from my sister-in-law, Meghan. I love this ornament!!!

One of my favorite traditions is Secret Santa sibling gifts, opened on Christmas Eve. The magic of giving is so real, and I love seeing them experience it. They were glowing with joy giving gifts to one another!

Our wild Christmas crew!

The Nativity was so cute this year. I love seeing them all be a part of this special show each year.

SANTA CAME!!!

This was hilarious! I bought clothes for myself for Christmas and asked him to give them to me as my gift. I honestly wasn't expecting anything more, but he splurged and spoiled me with a pebble ice machine!!! I honestly can't believe it!!!

Happy Christmas views. I love these people in our window room.

Another happy Christmas view--this time from my spot on the couch where I snoozed as they played!

Quinny's favorite gift by far was this swing that now lives in our front yard. She is on this thing NONSTOP and just loves it so much. I can see her swinging from the kitchen and it gives me such a thrill. 

I didn't cry taking down the tree, but I definitely did throwing this away. Gosh, I loved making that gingerbread house!!! Can't wait to do it again next year. Merry Christmas, 2020. Over and out.

Solo time with Ever Knight

I somehow scored a few solo hours with Everett during the middle of December and instead of just staying at home, we hopped in the car and made a date of it. He wanted to get cheeseburgers at McDonalds, milkshakes at Jack in the Box, and go searching for new reads at Half Priced Books. When we got in the car and I saw that he had done his hair for the occasion I said, "Ev, I'm not wearing any make-up! I should go get dressed up before we leave." And without skipping a beat he said, "You look beautiful Mom, you don't even need make-up!" I'm going to be in trouble with this one because he's not only cute, but he's good, good, good. It was so fun spending some alone time with him and I'm craving more really soon! I love that sweetie 9 year old.

The things she says...

I wish I would remember to write down everything she said because she is constantly cracking me up. She lives in a world of make-believe and it's amazing, really, to hear her talk and get a little peak into how she sees the world. I love this 4-year-old magical fairy princess!

Coco: It was smooth cruising. That's my way of saying smooth sailing.

***

Cora: I'm going to feed my kids carrots and candy for dinner when I grow up. Is that healthy? I'm just planning because I'm almost grown up.

Me: You're almost grown up?

Cora: Yes, and then you can't call me your baby anymore. (Sighs) Sorry!

Me: You'll always be my baby.

Cora: OK, but don't call me baby in front of company.

***

Quinn to Hunter: You can't just like one person. Who do you like other than Coco?

Hunter: Um...I like Coco.

***

Me: Quinny-T, I mean Cora!

Cora: Ha! My mom forgetted my name.

***

Coco: Goodbye, Madelle.

Me: What is Madelle?

Coco: That means Queen in my language! I know a lot of words in my language.

Quinn and Coco are pierced!!!

Cora has been asking to get her ears pierced for the entirety of 2020 and on Friday, December 4th we finally made it happen. You'll be surprised to know that Quinny also got her ears pierced. Well, maybe you won't be surprised. But let it be known that I, her mother and namesake, was freaking shocked! For weeks leading up to the reopening of Claire's Quinn talked about getting her ears pierces constantly, so I knew I better strike while the iron was hot. I think it had something to do with my mentioning that this time--when the contact sports she loves are cancelled--may be the perfect time to pierce and heal her ears, but who knows! My mom, Ash and I took the girls and of course, our cheerleader Avery, and it was a success! Quinn chose emeralds and although she said it hurt more than she was expecting, she didn't shed a tear. Cora chose purple jewels and she cried for a hot second before getting a lollipop and deciding life was pretty good. It felt surreal to be there with my two girls, because I remember like it was yesterday Ash and I getting our ears pierced together as little girls, and mostly I just feel so grateful for the privilege of being their mom. Take that 2020, we're finding joy in the smallest of things!

The McKee three with our namesakes standing in front of us. I mean, is that the most special thing ever?!

Quinn wanted Mama to hold her hands during the piercing. She is so brave and strong and amazes me every day in every way. When I got my ears pierced I bawled, so I honestly wasn't sure what to expect.

The cutest little green earrings! Love that baby girl so much.

While Quinn was getting her ears pierced Pepa took Cora on a walk around the mall to find all of the Christmas trees. I knew that if Cora saw someone get their ears pierced she may spook, so my Dad totally saved the day.

Cora chose me to hold her hands, and it was a tiny bit of a miracle that I didn't pass out. haha! I wish I was kidding, but I'm so wonky sometimes and I'm always nervous that I might faint. But I didn't! She was brave and a little shocked when the earrings went through but overall so good. She can't wait to change her earrings into all the sparkly ones!

It would be impossible for me to adore either of them more, and I mean it. They are so fascinating to me and I just can't get enough of them. Happy ears pierced day, chicas! I hope you remember this moment you experienced together forever and ever.

More Memes--Can't Stop, Won't Stop