Despite the cold weather (which I can't stand), Christmas is easily one of my favorite times of the year. Yes, it's been tough since Dad died. I always have my moment of tears. But having kids makes it hard not to enjoy the season. I get my moments of bah-humbug every year. I generally experience this moment around the shopping time. I love buying gifts for people, but I hate the greedy crowds. Nevertheless, I always seems to bounce back. The kids just get so darn excited that it's hard not to get excited with them.
This year we put up our tree a few days late because of the paint job being executed. Upon decorating, I became aware that my cheap Dollar General tree from my college days was starting to look old. Not to mention that the sheer number of ornaments (mostly handmade from the kids) was starting to overtake the tree. The conclusion? Our tree is too small and we need a bigger one. I've been trying to convince Josh for a few years that we need to get a nice big one and donate our old one to a family who has no tree. He has, thus far, decided it can wait until we (and I quote) "get a bigger house". Ha! I think this year he saw the light.
Anyhow, we had a great Christmas. It was filled with lots of love, good food, presents, and our annual singing of Happy Birthday to Jesus. Funny thing, I actually sort of forgot about that part this year and the kids wouldn't open their presents until we sang it. Great kids! We've started a new tradition (to help mom with her Christmas blues) of having mom over for Christmas morning. I think she really enjoys it. Milo comes to join in the fun. Poor pup was exhausted after it all.
We got to spend time with both Jake and Jeremy with their families at one point or another during the holiday break. The kiddos were so excited to spend time with all their cousins. We missed seeing Aaron and his bride though. Sure hope we get to see them for one Christmas sometime soon.
The kids got pretty much everything they wanted this year, save a few items of course. We had a great Christmas dinner and even had an awesome New Year's eve playing board games with Jeremy and Dianne. Let me tell you that if you haven't played Scategories, you're missing out. I haven't laughed that hard in years. My cheeks were sore! All in all, the holiday break was wonderful and filled with many blessings. Now it's the long, dark haul until spring. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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| My three little turkeys in their new jammies. |
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| The crazy kids tearing into Christmas morning gifts. |
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| Abby's new cow girl hat that she wanted. |
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| Mom enjoying the morning. It's our new tradition for her to celebrate with us. |
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| Jetfire...the toy he loved from childhood. |
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| A new fishing pole to go fishing this summer. |
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| A mouse from Grandma. |
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| Proving that I was actually there. I stink at selfies. |
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| The crazy kids wore out Milo. |
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| Evie and Grandma. So sweet. :-) |
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| Merry Christmas, Dad. We miss you. |
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