Kind of like a child's security blanket, you know? comforting in it's predictability. reassuring that regardless of what else happens, you know it's set in stone.
Knowing this, establishing family traditions is one of The Big Ones as far as "mom goals" go for me.
That said, this year we started another tradition. One that I believe will continue well into the years where they're dating and married.
The Yearly Christmas Dinner
...a time where we dress up to the hilt. decorate the dining room. go all out on the dinner menu. and just focus on enjoying each other.
Being that Raquel was born a week before Christmas and I had sudden-onset of postpartum preeclampsia, the dinner was postponed until the beginning of January. But better late than never, right?
THE MENU
Back in early December, we sat the girls down and took a vote. They were given the opportunity to choose the meal. I have to admit, I was a little worried that our First Annual dinner would be corndogs and jelly beans.
But letting the girls be a big part of the planning process makes the tradition THEIRS. So it felt key to let them choose at they saw fit. Thankfully, corndogs were never mentioned. :)
This year, Charis was the emcee.
Manning the dry-erase board, as she wrote down every one's thoughts on the menu.
Very serious matter... being the ONE In Charge. ;)Then again, so is coming up with viable menu options...
Selah's deep in thought. :)We went through the voting by items: Vegetables. Meats. Sides. Desserts.
Listing all their ideas on the board before putting it up to a vote.I'm pretty sure this little girl, only knowing Food was involved, voted more than once.
I have to admit, the whole Voting Drama part was almost as fun as the dinner itself.
Just hearing their ideas, for one, was so telling. These girls were reallllly putting a lot of thought into it.
And then watching their faces as they saw that THEY were actually getting to determine The Special Dinner was precious.
They loved every minute.As did Daddy...as he got some cuddle time with SelahBug.
These are the moments that made traditions so special. The slowing down and enjoying each other.
and teaching the kids to enjoy each other as well...
I love how you can literally see their pride in this picture. Knowing that they were in charge. that their ideas and their vote were the determining factors.
Just the memory of their excitement makes me smile.The Big Day (January 23)
MENU:
Shrimp and Salmon
Salad
Green beans
Sweet potatoes
Corn on the cob
Fruit salad
Ice cream cake and Pumpkin Pie
Selah was all about documenting all the details with her camera.
Raegan, all about helping the big sisters decorate with whatever she could find
The oldest girls were loving being Dolled Up.
And I was loving watching my manly man cook. ;)
Unfortunately, due to a snow storm, we were unable to get all that we needed. And then during Prep Time, due to Jet pulling a back muscle and Raquel refusing to let me put her down, we were forced to improvise on a few items.
But oh well...that's life with kids. Everything felt chaotic in the hours leading up to the Big Dinner. But it was all so worth it, watching the oldest girls work themselves up into a frenzy.
twirling around to show off the poof in their skirts. and the curl in their hair.
Their choice of accessories, tights, and shoes cracked me up.
Selah (5)...
She loves shiny things. And loves to combine different textures, styles, and prints. Budding artist maybe?
Or just a future victim on the show "What not to Wear."
Charis (7)...
She loves looking grown up. high heels, tights, frills...she loves it all. As long as she thinks it makes her appear older... and as close to a "real princess" as possible....she'll wear it with pride.
Raegan (2)...
She hates shoes. usually screaming that they are "too tight", even when we know they're a size too big.
Unfortunately these were the shoes she picked. and refused to take off.
Future tomboy? Or maybe just like her momma...a pushover for sweats and socks as her daily attire?
Alana (16 months)...
loved the decorations. This is her seeing the streamers for the first time after we got her up from her nap.
She never lost her excitement over the decorations...or the food.
Of course, none of the girls did.
They said it was The Best Night EV-ER. :)Score! I'm positive that this is a tradition worth keeping.
And this party will be one that we'll look back on and smile.
