Christmas Morning

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room

 on Christmas Day." 

This proves to be oh so very true!  Christmas Morning was outstanding.  Very Memorable.  Extra Special.  Better than we ever imagined. 

It lasted for hours.  We paced ourselves and we enjoyed every moment.  We took our time and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of giving and receiving.  We didn't worry about taking pictures or home videos.  We just concentrated on being PRESENT - in this glorious mess. 

Here are some action shots of the day.  Nothing was staged - so you are able to feel the excitement of this Christmas Morning...

Mimi, Pa, Aunt Peg, Uncle Adam and Uncle Michael came over for brunch and for more gift-giving.  We had so much fun with them that we didn't stop to take any pictures - opps.  But the memories will always be in our hearts.



Christmas Eve

As tradition would follow, the five of us went to Christmas Eve Mass (just us) and then came home to be greeted by Nana and Pa.  And Christmas fun begins.....

Sweet Baby Grant in his Christmas PJ's.

The boys out feeding the reindeer their snack of granola and smashed candy cane.  Jack sprinkled it over the front yard.  Then he and Sammie went ahead and ate some....off the grass, that is.

Nana gave Olivia (who wasn't feeling well and had another fever) a Princess Nightgown. 

 She changed into them immediately. 

Baby Grant received his First Anywhere Chair.  A First Christmas Tradition for all the kids.

Baby Grant with Nana and Pa.

All the kids sitting in their chairs.  Then we let them in on a little surprise.  Buddy, our Elf on the Shelf, was leaving that night to go back to the North Pole with Santa.  So we let the kids give him a goodbye hug and kiss.  They were delighted as they weren't able to touch the little fellow for his entire stay with us....

Jack was sad Buddy was leaving and he couldn't stop giving him hugs and kisses.

Trying to get a family photo of the kids in their PJ's in front of the tree. Mission impossible....  Jack couldn't take his eyes off Buddy and Grant won't stay seated for very long.  Oh well. 

Then we left some cookies out for Santa and we tucked the little kids in bed.  The next morning couldn't come fast enough...

Baby Grant's First Christmas

Arlinghaus Family Christmas

This family is enormous! 

Four generations in one room is a remarkable (and very loud) sight! 

 So much fun getting together with everyone. 

 Here are some hi-lights....

first snow fall

My sweet boys admiring the season's first snowfall. 

Christmas Program

This morning is what Christmas is ALL ABOUT!  Let me explain...  To see so many little preschoolers performing their favorite Christmas songs on the alter of their school church in front of their loved ones was enough to warm anyone's heart and soul.  Their excitement, their nerves, their Christmas Spirit, and their Christmas Joy illuminated the entire sanctuary.  It was magical.  It demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the business of Christmas that we stop and forget what Christmas is really about - Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.  And that's what these kids brought to us this morning.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

We decided to do a family photo this year for our Christmas Card 2012.  Looks lovely, but gees, was that ever stressful.... with 5 people involved and a tri-pod, a mom that wants professional grade pics and 2 uncooperative kids.  Yikes.  But after several hundred out-takes (quite possibly) this photo is the winner.  And it actually makes me happy.  Everyone is looking, everyone is smiling and we all look relaxed and non-stressed about landing the perfect family shot.  But, I have learned to lower my expectations and just roll with the punches.  And for next year just keep it simple.  And lower my Pinterest ideas and stress.  Sounds silly, ey?  But, I know a lot of you moms out there know exactly what I am talking about...

Anyways, here we are.  The Conger 5 wishing you a Merry Christmas!  And a Happy New Year!

Santa Claus

Look who showed up at the Merchant's Christmas Party......

Baby Grant intrigued and crawling right up to Santa.... (above and below)

His face here cracks me up.  It's like he's thinking ,

 "thanks for the candy cane but who in the world are you?!?"

This was as close as Olivia would get to Santa himself.  She wouldn't even enter the room. 

 She would only peak from the corner.  This was AFTER her tears subsided.   

Jack had to go up for her to retrieve her gift from Santa.

Jack went up, but not without caution....or without Dad.

Family photo with Santa - minus Olivia.

The Merchants.  Santa is actually Pyper and Brenna's Granpa - but they have yet to figure that out.