Christmas and the New Year!

We had a blessed and wonderful Christmas. My Great Aunt Becky and her husband Bill were visiting. We had dinner at my aunt's house a few days prior to Christmas. Visiting and sharing stories, it's what the holidays are really about. Christmas Eve, Max had to work, so the kids and finished getting our cookies ready for Santa and our family, then we headed to my grandparent's house for a little while. Our evening was spent at Lin and Keith's. Max's brother and sister were there with their families. We had a great deal of fun and lots of yummy things to eat.

We headed home to put cookies and milk out for Santa. He had a busy night ahead of him so he would need the pick me up. Christmas morning came and the kids eyes were lit up with surprise. The magic and wonder in their eyes is something Max and I will always treasure. After opening gifts, my grandparents, aunt's, uncle's, cousin and Lupe came over for breakfast. I set up the computer and SKYPED my dad. He a birds eye view to sit back and partake in the holiday festivities. Aunt Debi brought breakfast, Lupe the champagne and I had a variety of juices. It was relaxing a very casual. Just the way we like it.

After awhile my mom and Jeff came over. My mom and Jeff rock. While I finally got a shower she made the stuffing and and got the bird in the oven. Max cleaned up from the morning festivities. The kids opened gifts again and they took their new toys outside to test them out.

Mimi and Jeff got Colin a Razor and Santa brought Luke a new bike.

It was sunny and warm out, a beautiful day. We headed back inside a Max set up Colin's Santa gift, a Wii. We spent the rest of the afternoon bowling, golfing, and racing. Toss in some holiday refreshments and we had a blast. We were all stuffed after an incredible dinner. Thanks mom! I get very nostalgic this time of year when I eat my moms cooking. It reminds me of being a kid again. It gives me the best feeling.

Santa brought Ava an interactive Caring Corners Doll House. She loves this thing. The doorbell rings, toilet flushes, baby cries and so on.

They are growing up so fast. With each Christmas that passes I reflect on the year and I am always amazed. The milestones and the memories. We have so much to be grateful for. 2010 is here. We spent the evening going out to dinner with my mom and Jeff. They moved back into town. We are so happy. Max helped with a truck load on New Years Day while I took down the Christmas decor. Getting ready for the carpets to be cleaned the next day. What a nice way to kick start my new year. It spurred the cleaning of windows and floors, organizing closets and cabinets. It felt great. The carpets needed to really dry, so I cranked up the heater and fans and headed over to my moms. The kids played and I helped unpack and get her kitchen organized. Jeff barbecued hamburgers and we had a picnic on the floor. I now look forward to a new year, with new beginnings and new possibilities. Luke and Ava turn three in March and Colin will be six in August. Colin will start first grade this year and Luke and Ava will start preschool in the fall. We already have our first camping trip coming up next week and many more to follow. I have another family reunion in June we would like to make happen this year. Something was missing this holiday season, January marks the one year anniversary of Grandpa Tom's death. I have learned to be grateful for every moment we have with our loved ones and don't take them for granted.

Cheers to a memorable new year!