And a merry merry Christmas it 'twas.

Well a better late then never Christmas post to start the new year. This year was our first year in Quebec for Christmas. This province truly has some beautiful but different traditions. For instance, we have found tourtière ( A meat pie originally made from the tourtière bird) seems to take the place of the turkey. The meat pie is served at most celebrations here. Although I really like their traditions I think we are going to stick to Turkey.  Also, what shocked me was that they do not celebrate thanksgiving either.  But please forgive me, I am getting a little off the point. Back to Christmas 2014. 

We started our Christmas season out with cookies of course. A holiday isn't complete without sugar induced comas to follow. 

Some of their treats all decorated.

This was the first year we had a real tree. I really enjoyed the fresh smell but couldn't believe all the pine needles everywhere. Even with lots watering. But in the Christmas spirit it was truly nice. Our big tree stood in our new living room perfectly decorated with care by three little boys. We did have to do a little rearranging after we noticed the tree tilting forward because of the weight on the bottom from. I figure I will have lots of time to have a colour coordinated tree that we decorate when they get older. Their tree is something I want them to remember. The tilted, full of handmade ornaments that make their eyes glow with Christmas cheer. That's what I never want to forget.

We also did Elf on the shelf this year. We were pretty lucky to have an elf who wasn't too cheeky, that is not every night he was. The boys enjoyed finding him every morning. And if Olliver, heaven forbid, touched him, both Tristan and Rhys were thrown into fits of rage of the Christmas magic and him never returning. Although, he always did. Countless times I was snug in my bed and forgot to move that darn elf! My have traditions changed since I was a child. And I am not entirely sure if I am totally on board with it yet. 

Both my Mama and Curtis' parents joined us in our home this year. It was last minute but very exciting. I was so happy that my Mum could come see our home, where Rhys goes to school, and some of the beautiful area we live in. We prepared our Christmas supper for Christmas Eve. It was a year of starting our own traditions. We had a late evening supper and of course left our cookies out for Santa and tracked where he was. The boys were eager to get to bed since Rhys told him Christmas comes faster when they are sleeping. So even with all the excitement they were fast asleep with sugar plums dancing in their heads before we even knew it. 

I tried so hard to get a beautifully positioned Christmas photo of everyone looking, everyone smiling and well I just had to accept that this year our life is beautifully chaotic and this pretty much sums it up. Maddy was ready for bed and Ollie was much more interested in doing 'Backwards roley poley's' so here is our photo. 

And another of our littles. This little face. He wanted to hold her for a photo so bad and she just wasn't into it. But don't worry he made it all better.

They take such good care of each other. 

Oh my! And then this happened. Santa came! 

Rhys made his Grandma an arm knitted infinity scarf. 

Maddy got lots of love from Grandpa. 

Our Christmas Day included everyone staying in our pj's all day. We had our big dinner Christmas Eve so Christmas Day we had a wonderful breakfast casserole for brunch and the a late lunch that seemed to last all day, deviled eggs, crackers and cheese dip, veggies, hot turkey sandwhiches. We opened all our gifts, played, napped, played some more. And then back to bed. Somewhat early surprisingly. It was simple. Which is really what we needed because time to see family, visit, chat, play board games is something we miss the most about being so far from home. 

We all settled into bed feeling happy and warm. Realizing how blessed we are that they took the time and spent days in a car or airport to spend this Christmas with us.

We may not know how this year is going to turn out however, we have a feeling it will be special, challenging, and we will learn a lot together. 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We wish you and yours lots of love in this new year!

Xoxo.

Tasha