our christmas

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John and I had a great Christmas eve together. We have our little traditions that we like to do as a family, and once Miles was to bed, we prepared food for the next day and then we exchanged our gifts. We don’t usually do a lot for each other gift-wise. The year Miles was born I think we bought what was left on our baby registry and wrapped it up for each other. We were just excited for our baby to come and didn’t need any more surprises. (Though, as you know, Miles had plenty of surprises in store for us the way he came.) Last year we got each other one or two gifts off of each other’s list, but starting our businesses just a couple months before, we kept things simple. This year, we wanted to bring back the excitement that finding a really special gift for each other would bring. So I surprised John with tickets to his favorite comedian this spring (that he didn’t even know was coming to town!) and he surprised me by having our friend John, who is an extremely talented potter, make me a full set of my favorite tea mugs. It was SO much fun giving a gift that we had both planned for such a long time in advance.

After our exchange, we turned on a Christmas movie and set forth to wrap all of Miles’ gifts. We’ve done that for two years now and even though we are exhausted by 1 AM when we finish, it’s so worth it to see how magical the tree is with gifts under it.

When Miles woke up in the morning he totally remembered what day it was and piped up when we said Santa had came. Experiencing Christmas with him was such a joy. He opened his gifts with such glee and played with each toy, something we weren’t sure he would do.

I didn’t take a lot of photo as I had the video camera attached to my hand. He was so cute, I just had to catch the action! Of course that means a TON of footage to edit! Here are some highlights:

One of the big hits (after the initial tears when the sound scared him) was his guitar.

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I was going to post the photo of him crying when it scared him, but it just breaks my heart. Plus, this is a REAL smile, not a “say cheese” smile, so Miles and the guitar are alllll good.

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The BIG hit was the three pack of balls I got him. He kept trying to carry all three of them at once. Here he is looking for the third. My mom got to join us for the gift opening and I’m so glad because it would have been impossible to explain how hilarious he was!

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We were trying to duplicate a favorite toy of John’s childhood with this xylophone, but gosh darn it, they just don’t make them like they used to. (Yep, it’s out of tune. But still cool.)

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After a much needed nap, we headed over for the next Christmas of the day at the Zabel’s house. (That would be Andy’s family, my late husband’s family.) One of the traditions at the Zabel house is to play Christmas songs on the player piano and sing along. Barb busted out some instruments and Miles had an impromptu Kindermusik class. (Though John had to tell him that instrument was a percussion instrument and not a wind one.)

Singalong

Singing carols is always a little emotional for me. Gathering around the piano, you see photos of all the people in our life and of course, photos of Andy are there as well. Christmas is not an easy time for me, especially this year finding myself feeling the loss of not just Andy, but of my sister, Penny, as well. It was not an easy month for me, and there were times it was all just too overwhelming, but I thank God for the ever patient and compassionate John and the ever jubilant Miles to help me feel the peace of the season and finally feel the joy.

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  • annieDecember 30, 2008 - 12:37 pm

    What a wonderful Christmas! I recognize those jammies! Looks like Mr. Miles had a magnificent time with all his new goodies! I think it is truly beautiful to share in the traditions with not only your family, your little family of Kings and the Zabels. Hugs to you and Happy Holidays!

  • robinDecember 30, 2008 - 2:14 pm

    Looks like it was a beautiful Christmas, Betsy! Hugs to you in a bittersweet season.

  • LindsayDecember 30, 2008 - 4:42 pm

    Oh sweet Betsy… This Christmas was bittersweet for us too…..Zac being home is WONDERFUL, but we didnt have our baby girl to share Christmas with….. I am sharing your tears! Little Miles to the rescue, Im sure!! =)

  • CassieDecember 31, 2008 - 4:29 am

    It looks like you had a beautiful Christmas! 🙂 I was thinking and praying for you guys this week. Our Christmas was full of a lot of gratitude this year, so I know a little of what you mean when say its an emotional time of the year. Hope you have a wonderful New Years! We are still trying to catch up on rest. 🙂

  • JenDecember 31, 2008 - 12:55 pm

    Bets – Evan got the same guitar! How funny is that?!

  • Rebecca ZabelJanuary 1, 2009 - 9:10 pm

    Let’s hope for a healing and joyous 2009! Love you!

  • MayaJanuary 2, 2009 - 6:57 am

    He looks like he had a blast!!!