Happy Christmas!

Christmas is ten times better with kids around.

We love spending time with family and friends. Last Christmas we spent in Oregon with my family, meanwhile back home Frank's side was all abuzz with the arrival of Preston on Christmas Eve. We loved being with my family for Christmas but we so missed being there for the arrival of our nephew.

Turns out, we miss whichever part of the family we don't get to see. We spent Christmas Eve and day with Frank's family, all the while missing out on the fun they were having up in Oregon. We just love our families so much it's hard to spend the time away from them. My hope is to one year have both families together in one place for Emily and Everett to enjoy all at once. That will take some heavy lifting, but one day, I'll get it done.

In the mean time we will enjoy what we have and who we get to spend it with. This year was no exception. Christmas Eve was spent at Brian and Jens home.



Our host and hostess



 We were spoiled to wonderful food and such good company. One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how with such loving arms Jen's parents embrace Emily and Everett. Treating them like their own, needlessly but generously buying them Christmas gifts. Each time we get to see them we feel like we're family by more than just marriage. Which is the way it should be.



Jen's parents, Rosie and John

Once we were all unpacked, we settled into a warm wonderful Christmas. Making sure to wish Preston an official happy 1st Birthday!



The Birthday Boy!



Making margaritas as commanded.

Me and Princess Sophia

This is OK because they're related.

Our girls rockin'




My little elf.



Such a lovely dinner



The girls were dressing the part.

Christmas morning is so very sweet and intimate for us. I love lighting the fire and opening gifts. Taking it slow and making our big waffle breakfast we do every year. The kids really seemed to enjoy it. Even Everett, and they both were so very spoiled by the generosity of family and let's not forget Santa.

Baby's 1st Christmas morning.



Good morning Star shine!



 

Laughing at sissy.

Riding on her unicorn, now named Thumbelina. "?"

Enjoying Christmas.

Emily's Aurora doll from Santa.





Emily got a sweet video message from Santa this year. I was so excited to show it to her.

Then, she received a letter from the old man as well. She lit up with excitement as she opened the letter and had us read it to her. Santa's writing looked very familiar when compared to the Director of Emily's preschools handwriting, but of course Santa sent the letter.

Christmas evening we spent with Grandmom and Grandpop. Uncle Brian and Auntie Jen, cousin Sophia and Preston all showed up a little later in the day and we had such a nice dinner together courtesy Grandmom Tees.

The girls all ready for dinner.

Grandmom and Sophia.

It's easy to want more in this life. We struggle so much to make ends meet and keep me home with the kids, yet spending time with our family, seeing how happy our kids are, it's moments like these when Frank and I look at each other and thank God for all his blessings. I couldn't imagine a more perfect Christmas.