Christmas 2013

Christmas was wonderful this year. It was a bit crazy leading up to it, but the much anticipated holiday (and subsequent vacation) finally arrived. This year was a little bit different in that we didn't do a Christmas Eve service at our church. We instead organized a variety of service opportunities that families or groups could do together on or around Christmas Eve. The four of us did a Meals on Wheels route in the Helotes area, and it was really fun! The rest of the afternoon was spent hurriedly wrapping gifts, packing, and food prepping. But it was good. Christmas morning, we were up and opening presents by 6:00. The kids were thrilled to have gotten a real American Girl doll (Abby) and Skylanders (Carson) as their "big" gifts. I've got to say that I never cease to be amazed at their gratitude. Every gift they opened, no matter how small or insignificant was met by squeals and many thank yous. It was a fun morning.

After gifts were opened, we finished packing while the kids played with their gifts, then we packed up a nice breakfast/brunch and headed over to Ammie & Poppy's to eat (and so Aaron could get started on the prime rib in time for it to be ready for lunch). We had a lovely breakfast (with the help of The Pioneer Woman, of course), and rest of the morning. Jason, Natalie, and the kids arrived a couple hours later, and there was much fun and excitement. Once again, we opened gifts, then enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch together. It was a great day!

Not long after lunch, we loaded up and headed for Howe. When we arrived, Valerie, Dustin, and their kids had already arrived and we all had a happy reunion (though I'm pretty sure I was half asleep). The next day, we just lounged around. In keeping with tradition, the kids all helped Mattie make a birthday cake for Jesus in preparation for our Christmas dinner the next day.

Friday, Grandma, Grandpa, & Gangan came up and joined us for our Christmas celebration. Before we opened gifts, Grandpa gathered all the kids around and told them a wonderful story of Christmas and Jesus' birth. They sat and took it all in happily (except for Benjamin, who fell asleep)! Then we had a yummy lunch and spent more fun time together before Val's family and Grandma & Grandpa had to go. The four of us stayed for another couple days to unwind, and it was nice, as usual.

We loved getting to spend such special times with both of our families celebrating God's gift to us and the blessings we've been given.