Merry Christmas!

Wow! what a whirlwind of a week. Tim and I packed away Christmas today which always makes me a little sad, so I thought I better sit and blog while I have a few spare moments which have been rare lately. We started with our early Christmas 'Robbins' celebration on the 21st. Granny, Grandpa, Auntie Mimi and Kevin came over to our house for dinner, presents, hot chocolate station, and Hannah's favorite a cookie decorating contest. Hannah and mommy baked all morning and then cleaned. Unfortunately, all the photos from that night are on my mom's camera so you will have to use your imagination, but trust me everyone looked cute and had fun. Hannah was so sweet opening gifts. She seemed more concerned about handing out her presents than opening her own. She did enjoy helping baby brother though. With an infant for a brother it's almost like you get double the gifts. Hannah's favorite was an art easel and Jack's favorite was this little stuffed elf. We all had fun decorating cookies. Hannah takes precision in all her work and won first place. Auntie Mimi came in second. Now that I'm writing, I realized I will have to just post some late pictures when I get them cus they are just too cute. After dinner, Hannah entertained everyone with her 'ribbon dancing and song.' Not the first time, I've been told my child should get an agent of sorts. Loves to ham it up. We all missed Uncle Tyler who celebrated in France this year. (Like I said, stay tuned...pics of the night to come).


The following day we drove up to Bishop for Tatum family Christmas. It was Jack's first trip to Bishop and he slept the entire way. Yep six hours. On Christmas eve we played, talked, watched movies and enjoyed the family. We went to Christmas eve service and Hannah loved holding the candle outside in the dark with Auntie Katie while we all sang Silent Night. Jack is just the best and honestly anywhere we take him he is quiet and a good baby. Just the cutest little guy. We came home from church and all put on our matching jamies. Then Daddy read the kids "The Night Before Christmas" and we put out the cookies. That night Santa came and brought a walker toy for Jack and a rocking horse for Hannah. Unfortunately, Mommy woke up at 5 am with the stomach flu and spent the rest of the day in the bathroom or in bed. I cried because I felt like I completely missed my baby's first Christmas. I tried my best to suck it up between vomiting episodes and enjoy Hannah opening her presents. Her little face can make anything better. She had a wonderful time. Her favorite was the rocking horse. Thank goodness, Santa got it right. She kept changing her list so it was a guessing game. The day was really a blur but I know my kids had fun. They missed their mommy though. Hannah kept coming upstairs and 'taking care of me.' she put wet cloths on my arms and got me some water. She made my Christmas with my best memory of the day. I told her I missed her and she replied "Don't worry mommy, I keep you in my heart." Daddy was a super star that day and stepped it up. Although I think he was relived when I woke feeling better the next day as he said, "the whole ship goes down when I'm out." I know my family appreciates me and it made me feel good. Thank God for our village though who is always willing to jump in and help. Whether it's Auntie Laura doing Hannah's hair for church, Auntie Katie grabbing my camera so I have pictures of my kids, or Nana who took the night shift with Jack so I could rest. I love my family and appreciate their help, for it is true "Some days, it takes a village." And if you're wondering why Uncle Jeremy, Gramps and Uncle Jeff didn't get recognized for helping...well let's just say we were all sharing the bathroom :) and with a lot of the men out for the count, poor Nana and her beautiful Christmas dinner had a very small turn out. I think Hannah absolutely loved her day and that makes me happy. The next day we woke and drove back home for the next big event...Jeff and Katie's Wedding!

Christmas Eve


Cousin love




Waking up in Nana's bed Christmas morning. Someone looks excited that Santa came!


Pure Joy