Merry Christmas

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year. It was so much fun to be in our own home as a family for the first time. The kids are old enough to really be excited and understand most of what is going on and I loved not having to pack Christmas up and pack the kids around although we did miss seeing so much of our family. We were lucky enough to have Aaron's mom come and spend Christmas with us and to meet Titus for the first time.

We spend Christmas Eve baking cinnamon rolls, strudel, and wrapping the last few presents arriving in the mail just in the nick of time. That evening we were able to read the nativity, sing Christmas carols around the piano, set out stockings and cookies for Santa, and send the kids to bed while we sat up and visited and enjoyed some Christmas treats.

Christmas morning Titus seemed to be the only one waking up early and after being awake for an hour I finally heard James get up. We all waited at the top of the stairs to go down together. I loved being able to start the morning with a tradition I loved all growing up.

Presents were unwrapped, cheers were heard on many occasions from Madie and James, and everyone was thoroughly spoiled. The kids got plenty of fun new toys, craft supplies, and clothes, Aaron got shooting gear a plenty, and I got new silk pajamas, and some beautiful new sweaters that I hope I get to wear without getting Titus leaving too many of his own presents on them.

My new favorite pictures are that of James and his 'Farmer hat' that he has been asking Grandpa Snow for for months now and Grandpa was very happy to oblige, and Madie and her doll from Grandma Miller. When she opened it up she signed baby, picked it up and gave it the sweetest hug. 

We are so grateful to have such wonderful family members and grateful for modern technology that allows us to call and skype when we are so far away during the holidays. Merry Christmas!