Our Holiday Happenings

We had a great Christmas holiday! Can't believe how fast it came and went. It was full of lots of late nights, delicious food, surprises, games games and more games, treats galore, lots of laughter, anticipation of gift giving and most of all lots and lots of wonderful family time. 

Stephen's sister and her husband deserve a medal of honor for hosting Christmas this year. They had quite the houseful and were wonderful hosts. We had Stephen's entire family, except Jeremy & Ashley and their two kiddos whom we missed. But that being said...that's a total of 10 adults and 4 grandkids....plus Stephen's Aunt Janet, Aunt PJ and Uncle Chuck who flew in from Texas and spent a few days.....oh and then his Uncle Don & Aunt Deana and cousin Valerie drove up from Ohio and spent some time with everyone. Needless to say we had a houseful, but it was SO much fun to be together as family. And yup that's my favorite part about Christmas. Being with Family. 

Hopefully I won't bore you with too many details. But here's a few of the highlights.

Opening our Stockings early before church. Santa brought Andrew lots of baby food, yet he is clearly more interested in the wrapping paper. Much more exciting of course!

I simply love it when Christmas lands on a Sunday. It truly helps me focus on the true meaning of Christmas and reflect on my Saviors life. (It also helps that we only had one hour of church too!) After opening our stockings and then rushing to get out the door for church, we left all the gifts under the tree to be opened after.

Andrew looking pretty tired after church before we dived into all of the presents

Enjoying opening our presents while Andrew was taking his nap.

Stephen was pretty excited about his radio control airplane kit. He now just has to build it and is excited to have a fun project to keep him busy.

Andrew opening his gifts after his long nap!

Cousin Austin showing Andrew how to play with his new toy from Santa

Uncle Don with Andrew and I

Andrew got to meet lots of Stephen's Aunts and Uncles for the first time and me as well. It was great to hang out and get to know them. Wish we lived closer and could see them more often.

Stephen's sister Meghan is super crafty. She taught us how to make these really neat ornaments with glitter. I had someone tell me about this idea to make a memento of Andrew's first Christmas and wanted to try it. She was so sweet to help me. We embossed Andrew's hand print on the outside of the ornament. I loved how it turned out.

Stephen and His mom watching the boys while Ice Skating

Grandpa and Erin helping Benny learn to ice skate.

Austin Helping the Andrew to be Happy

I think these two are going to be great friends. Cute little Austin was such a good helper around baby Andrew. I loved seeing them interact.

Singing around the piano

James decided to surprise us and drive 20 plus hours from Utah to be able to spend Christmas with the family. He was 'supposed' to work on Christmas Eve and after Christmas. Well he found a new job and his schedule suddenly 'cleared up'.  We all couldn't believe our eyes when he walked through the door late on Christmas Eve. What a fun Christmas surprise!

Grandma Holden getting some Andrew hugs before they head back to Michigan