Season of Smiles

There is no better feeling of excitement than when a child’s eyes open wide on Christmas morning, as their sleepy bodies quickly and anxiously hop out of bed and get ready to tear open their gifts.  The shrills and screams, accompanied by raspy little morning voices is like a surround sound system bringing music to your ears.  I don’t have children yet, but man, I can only imagine what it will feel like when I do.  I know this time of year isn’t just about the physical gifts you give, but it’s a part of it. Watching my nieces and nephew unveil a new surprise with joy and happiness completely fills my heart.  This year, at our annual Christmas Eve celebration, Santa appeared and the smiles were endless!!

Just a few of the boys waiting for the jolly guy to arrive.  They were so cute looking for him out the window…..

 And let me tell you, the anticipation was worth it.  Just to see their tiny faces light up…….pure magic!

 
Alexa LOVED Santa this year! 
 She gave him a big hug and let me take a picture of her 🙂
It was then time to go home and pack up the gifts.  We would be heading to my parents in the morning!Got a few snapshots of our tree with all the gifts under it.  I can’t wait until we have it at our own house!
I was messing around with my manual settings, 
attempting to see different lighting with the tree 🙂
I had fun wrapping this year.  However, note to self, don’t get glitter ribbon next year!  Although I love some sparkles, it got EVERYWHERE….all over the carpet, my clothes, my face….you name it, it was there!

AND THEN…..Christmas morning came.  Captured some great moments that never will be forgotten. Mom made a delectable breakfast, everyone was together this year, music was playing, laughter never ceased, and it was just an all around fun family affair!  It always is at the Sweeney house 🙂
 She was a happy camper!  It is often difficult to get Lex to look directly at the camera.  This is typical of people with Autism.  But, somehow, I get lucky with her and was able to snap just at the right moment.
She is just beautiful…..and happy….and perfect 🙂
Miss O’s beaming smile that always captivates me…. with the shopping cart we got her.  She loved pushing it around! But, then came the art easel.  
It was something else 🙂  She was obsessed….and it was meant for her!! 
Such a happy girl she is.  Oh how fun it is to be a kid!
And spending time down with Kyle’s family always leaves us on the best note…..contentment to its fullest!  Every visit, we always have time to relax, enjoy one another’s company, fill up our tummies with delicious food, try some ice cold beer, mimosas, and wine…….and witness a beautiful snowfall…one to see us on our way back up to Chicago!  It was the only I’ve experienced so far this winter….and I appreciated every minute of it 🙂
Until next time…CARPE DIEM!
I will be ringing in the new year 
with my wonderful friends, family, and fantastic husband!
What can be better in life?!?
(Visited 75 times, 2 visits today)