Christmas!

It's January 4th today and I can't stand the fact that I haven't written anything about our Christmas 2010. I seem to be running a little behind with posts recently and the funny thing is, knowing that I need to catch up is always in the back of my mind. I don't like missing out on some of the big events that we have had going on and sharing about all the memories of this season that were so exciting and unforgettable to Thomas and I as well as the kids. Christmas 2010 was full of fun! We jumped started our Christmas vacation in West Branch the Wednesday before Christmas and spent a few days with the Fawcett's on the farm. The boys had so many things to open and Santa sure filled their stockings full! We were able to visit with Cary and Christen Beatty and their mother Margaret who are dear family friends to the Fawcett's and enjoyed good conversation and great food. The next day we visited the Stuarts at their home and were able to let all the cousins run around and play with all of Adam's classic tractors. Adam was unable to be there but Ashley and Truman were home for the week and their adorable little one, Daniel. The boys loved playing together, along with Grace who was able to keep up so well with the boys. She is surrounded on all sides of the family tree, with boy cousins and yet she seems just fine with it. She is such a trooper and so much fun! All the kids loved playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house and it was very difficult to leave. After we exchanged gifts and shared a traditional family meal together with the Vincent's and Uncle Tom, we were headed back to Ames, on Christmas Eve. It was somewhat of a long trip but luckily the boys slept and Thomas and talked to each other and had some good time to connect! When we got home, we transferred the boys to their beds and unpacked the car. The presents were all set up before we left so there wasn't much to do to get ready for the next morning. The kids woke up as usual around 7 and were pretty exited to come down stairs especially after seeing that Santa did eat the cookie and Rudolph ate the carrot that we had left for them. The boys were thrilled to see more gifts and I think they probably got through every gift in under half an hour. It was so much fun and we spent a few hours playing at our house with our new toys. Ethan got a new bike with training wheels that he rode around and around from kitchen to living room and around again. Simon got a new motorized car and track that Thomas set up for him and he was content to play with that for a while. The boys have my grandmother, Nana, to thank for their bike and car track as she was unable to be with us this year for Christmas but sent her love with gifts and a big box of goodies! Thank you Nana!

We then headed to my parents for another celebration! Jon and Hanna and the Sanchez's were all there and we all exchanged gifts and let the kids play together all day long! We ate and ate some more and just hung out while the kids played with Nerf guns and jumped on a blow up trampoline. They had a blast! My dad made his traditional biscuits and gravy for a late breakfast and we all were so full, the meal carried us all the way until dinner time. It was a wonderful time with the family and we were all sad to leave.

Christmas was wonderful this year and what I loved the most was watching the kids play with their cousins. They are making lasting friendships with them and deepening their love for each other and family. Thomas and I want our kids to experience the fullness and fulfillment of living a life that is full of family traditions and I think this Holiday season began to establish just that. We love our family and thank them for all the ways our lives are blessed by each of them.