Christmas at Grandma and Pops

December 23 has always meant Christmas at the Hills but this year was different. December 23 was spent honoring and remembering Pop. 

Christmas was and will forever be different without Carl sitting in his chair counting his presents, stalling to have the last gift to open, and of course rounding everyone up when we are running late to church. 

Christmas at the Hill house was celebrated on December 24th this year not because the adults wanted to but for the grandkids. Children are so joyfilled and can somehow manage to bring a smile to your face and hope to your heart no matter the circumstances. Jagger was sooo excited to open presents....Braxton loved to play with every opened gift....and Piper loved to eat the wrapping paper that was left unattended!

Pop and grandma love love love their grandkids and always overdo it at Christmas time and this year was no exception. The boys even got their very own big kid swing set in the backyard. A gift that will grow with them through the years and hold a special place in their hearts since Pop got it for them.

After the kiddos opened their gifts and gave grandma some quick cuddles (they are toddler boys so cuddles during waking hours are short lived) we headed over to great grandma and great grandpa Kordsmeier's house. Their home is always loud, hot, and overfilled with love and laughter. Christmas Eve was no exception. The grandkids even put on a Christmas play for everyone to enjoy. This year, Braxton played the role of a cow, and I must say he nailed it!!

We opted out of midnight mass this year and instead headed back to grandmas, tucked the kids into bed, and the adults relaxed with a beverage, some Christmas music, gifts, and tears. Luke received the most special gift....Carl specially picked out a new cowboy hat for Luke because he was embarrassed by his current hat. I know that Luke will treasure this gift forever and wear it proudly (only for special occasions such as deer camp;).

Christmas morning!!

After Christmas we headed out to great grandma and great grandpa Hill for a home cooked lunch and visiting. The boys loved their Jack in the boxes or should I say George in the boxes! Braxton loves to be scared when George jumps out at him;)