At long last! A Christmas to celebrate!

For about two years, we lived under the belief that we would be moving to Germany within months.  I remember many conversations with extended family about how we probably would not be there next [you name the event or holiday] because we would be in Germany.  But then we would be there after all because of some unexpected delay (not a single one caused by us).

We made many decisions based on the idea that we would be moving soon.  Perhaps less important than quitting my job based on an "imminent" move, but nevertheless consequential:  packing and storing our Christmas decorations (and gift wrap).  As a result, we didn't decorate for Christmas in 2010 or 2011.  Of course, in 2012, we were in Germany (finally), but were making the international move back to the U.S. with two toddlers and two dogs the day after Christmas so we couldn't really decorate then either.

But here we are three years later and we get to celebrate Christmas!  Don't get the wrong impression.  I am not super into decorating, but it is really nice to enjoy the holiday season with some decorations.  And, having children who are just old enough to enjoy some of the festivities makes it all the more fun.  Here we are:

 Will loved hanging ornaments! 

 The boys loved playing with a train musical box that we received from my mother-in-law last year.  I like this picture because the table in it was my grandma's.  Having several pieces of furniture in that room - especially at Christmas - makes me feel like I have a bit of her there, too.  She was a huge part of Christmas celebrations.

 Both boys hanging ornaments.

 Jack with his aunt.  I am so thankful to have family in town, and for the boys to have such a special aunt.  It's pretty awesome for them to have a young, fun, adoring aunt.

 Jack and Nanna!

 More ornaments to hang!

 Daddy's childhood ornament.

 Will would clap after successfully hanging each ornament :)

 Was really happy to see the boys hanging ornaments so well (for the most part).

 Mommy and Will!

Fun ornaments, and of course, the better one is always the one that someone else has.

Since decorating the tree, the boys, especially Will, have insisted on visiting the tree (which sits in a room to which they have very limited access).  Indeed, Will has climbed over the baby gate and escaped, running to the tree.  

It has been so much fun this year!  I cannot wait to see the boys' reaction on Christmas morning!