Christmas 2012

*Ignore the fact that this post is a month late … better late than never, right?*

Christmas 2012 was so much fun!  Both kids are at such a fun age right now and it was really special to see the holidays through their eyes.

We were so glad to be able to see everyone in the family this holiday season.  As everyone’s families continue to grow, it gets harder and harder to coordinate schedules and get everyone in the same place at the same time.

Our first celebration was at Min’s house on Thursday the 20th.  We drove in to DFW that morning after breakfast and spent the next several days visiting everyone.  That evening we had dinner with Payton, Garin, Jess, Grandmommy, and Grandbobby.  Thanks to all of Min’s hard work, we actually had dinner on the table, despite me feeling lousy.  Unfortunately I was sick all week long.  I’m not sure if it was the full blown flu or a cold, but I had a nasty cough, was pitiful for about four days, and felt bad for about two weeks before things got back to normal.

Both kids did great opening presents — Kamy was the gift distributor and Caden was more than willing to help unwrap any gift, his or not.  =P  Caden quickly learned the appropriate “ooohs” and “aaahs” for opening presents.  Kamy’s big gift of the evening was a new bicycle, which she loves.  She hasn’t gotten the hang of peddling yet, but we are working on steering and she loves to be pushed around on it.  She also received a pink necklace from Min.

Kamy was such a sweetheart and decided that she wanted to get me a necklace for Christmas.  Min had told her that she would be getting one, so McKamy decided that I should have one too.  It was completely her idea and I’m so proud of the little girl that she is becoming.  Since it had to be pink, Daddy selected a couple of options online for her to choose from and Kamy picked one out just for me!  Of course, the moment Daddy clicked “buy” she changed her mind, but oh well.  Lol!

Saturday afternoon we went over to Grandmommy and Grandbobby’s house for their annual celebration.  Nearly everyone was there and it was such a treat to be able to visit with cousins and extended family that we do not see very often.  There are seven great-grandchildren in the newest generation, so it will be fun to watch them grow up around each other, particularly since they are so close in age.

Monday morning we went to breakfast with Granpops and then headed over to Nana’s for a visit.  Caden loves his new Tonka truck from Nana and Kamy really enjoys using her coloring easels.

With bad weather forecast for Christmas afternoon, we left Min’s house Tuesday morning to drive back to Lone Star.  We had no traffic and no problems, but we were sure glad that we came home.  It started snowing that afternoon and after snowing all night, we had a winter wonderland the next morning!  We were happy to stay at home and not have to be on the roads traveling in the slush.  Both kids had a great time playing in the snow, though everyone’s hands got a bit nippy since our gloves weren’t exactly water proof.

Lastly, we celebrated Christmas with Oma, Opa, and Regine after the new year.  Since Regine is living and working in Arkansas now, our home is midway for everyone to come here.  Oma brought a wonderful standing rib roast for prime rib and we had a nice dinner at our house with china and everything.  The kids had more surprises with gifts and probably the most popular of all has been a set of jumbo farm animals which get daily attention.

We are so blessed with family to share the Christmas season with.  I’m excited to start our own Christmas traditions in the next couple of years that the kids can remember as they grow up.  One thing I hope to do next year is have two decorated trees at home.  I’ve always loved decorating my tree with just silver and glass ornaments, but I know the kids would love to have one they can help decorate as well.  If we put up two, we’ll have the best of both worlds!  We will see what Christmas 2013 brings.

In the mean time, Charley is waiting for his favorite spot to return:

Merry Christmas!