The Mack Christmas is always the day after Christmas and this year was no different. I usually look forward to this day and am read to go when party time comes around at 5pm the day after Christmas but this year we were all a little under the weather and I probably should have stayed home in bed. That being said I did get to see lots of people that I adore and spend some time with the Mack side of the family. I also ended up taking the next day off from work and did plenty of resting.
Lizzie finally fit into the dress that Auntie Meg wore for Christmas the year she was five. Molly wore it a long time ago and looked adorable and now it was Lizzie's turn. The dress is even more special because Auntie Mary bought it for Meghan.
Papa, Chloe and Uncle Brian met us at the door and other than this picture most of the other ones were taken from a chair somewhere because I was feeling so bad. I was a less than stellar family photographer for this party.
KK and Auntie Kara catching up. I love that color on KK - her eyes sparkle!
Papa and his Molly-Girl
Poor Lizzie had a version of the same virus that I had and we were both pretty miserable. She lounged on the couch with her big sister.
Brendan wrestling with Tyler on the floor before gifts - he would not leave Tyler alone. He loves his big cousin.
Auntie Ann lines the kids up or gifts and they couldn't wait!
Molly loved her peace sign made of bottle caps.
Annie Bananie has done nothing but read since she got Auntie Ann's books - her favorite right now is Splat the Cat.
Look at all that wrapping paper but all the kids can see is their new books - they were all so excited!
Paper fight!
Santa brought the four girls the same footie pajamas and Annie could not wait to be in the same pajamas as her big sister. Molly was less deliriously happy about it!
Last year we were in Disney World for New Year's Eve and spent the night, if I remember correctly, watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks and hanging out at our hotel because we were all too exhausted from the day to do anything else. We loved our trip to Disney World last year but I have to admit that it was nice to be home for the New Year this year. The kids all struggled with various forms of the same virus throughout the Christmas holidays and we were all feeling better and ready to party with our favorite people for the night. It was a low key night - plans beginning at around 10am on New Year's Eve day with a texted invite for 7pm that evening.
My boys with Meg ready to party!
I missed Tim's actual - look at the camera and smile but captured my Mom's happiness that it was a picture with her that he deemed important enough to do it for. Tim is infamous for not looking at the camera and grimacing when I bring the camera out.
KK and her girl loving some cuddle time.
Papa had a lapful of girls and they couldn't be happier about it!
Peter and his godmother spending some quality time together.
Uncle B playing with the monkeys!
Tim isn't looking at the camera in this one but I love Meggie's smile so I posted it anyways!
Auntie Beth and Uncle B - if you hadn't noticed I did a terrible job of getting pictures of Auntie Beth last time she was home so I tried a little harder to get her some nice family shots this time! We have to get them when we can so we have lots of pictures to look at when we miss her!
Uncle B and Auntie Beth hanging out with Molly Girl - loving up their niece!
Bob and Beth - they have a special relationship gleaned from all of the time they both spend together talking about how much they adore me! (just kidding)
Getting ready for our 9pm kids toast! The kids had no idea that the countdown was actually occurring at 9pm - they were thrilled to get to try some non alcoholic champagne and have a real official toast. All of the kids went home or to sleep after this and adults started to really party! (another joke)
Happy New Year 2014!
Papa and the tweens toasting!
We even had a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne led by the twins and Auntie Meg.
The kids loving their "champagne"!
Brendan shouting Happy New Year!
My Lizzie Bug - love those big blue eyes!
Meg says Lila is not photogenic but this Auntie begs to differ! I love this cute smile!
KK gave all the kids big hugs at "Midnight"!
Uncle B and Peter having a bro hug at midnight!
Ellie Bean, Lila and Brendan loved the fake champagne - they each had at least three glassfuls.
Annie and her Daddy snuggling - this is how they are all the time.
Raise a glass to 2014!
Molly Girl stayed up until midnight with Chloe - she is getting to be quite the little teenager!
Grammy read a book to all the kids before we sent them to bed!
Auntie Beth and Brendan - a little potty talk always gets a huge smile out of Brendan.
Lila in her Minnie hat!
Auntie Beth and her beautiful goddaughter - I love their smiles in this picture.
Auntie Meg got to hold a sleeping Ellie Bean and put he to bed after she feel asleep on Papa's lap.
The twins were as uncooperative as they could be about posing for a picture - it was annoying so I still posted the pictures!
Our little tweens ringing in the new year - the real new year at midnight - together!
Molly Girl was so excited to see the ball drop for the first time ever! Happy New Year!
Molly Girl and Auntie Beth share a quick New Year's hug!
It was a wonderful holiday season with lots of family and lots of fun. I am so grateful that my children are constantly surrounded by people who are kind, compassionate, giving and want to spend time with them. It is a true blessing that of the millions of things we could all be doing on New Year's Eve we all wanted to be together! Happy New Year 2014 - I am looking forward to a bright and beautiful year filled with new experiences and lots of family fun! GNM - ILY!
