Christmas with the Holden's

A few days before we left for Michigan we had our own little Christmas here at our home. It was nice to only have to take a few presents in the suitcases. Andrew was way into the paper and packages....we really didn't need to get him much else for Christmas this year.

We flew out on Christmas Eve and I thought It would be insanely crazy. Well, it must have been the early flight, but it actually wasn't bad at all. When we arrived, we jumped right into the festivities. 

First off we had a small gingerbread house decorating contest. It was so fun. Everybody got WAY into it and it became quite a serious competition between the adults. Everybody designing different floor plans, water slides and clock towers....serious business.   

Stephen and I had to run a quick errand (a.k.a last minute Christmas shopping)  so when we came back there weren't many supplies left. This is basically what we came up with. Our palm tree on the beach next to the ocean.  Not your typical gingerbread house, but we were pretty proud considering what we had to work with.

Christmas Morning was wonderful! Andrew was the first to rise at his usual 6:30 am and then we quietly waited for the older cousins to make an appearance at 7 am. We opened our Christmas stockings and then the gifts under the tree. Christmas morning always comes and goes so fast. Doesn't it?

Opening our Christmas Stockings

Cute Austin admiring all his presents! 

Andrew's first present he opened was by far his favorite! We tried to take it away so he could work on his pile of presents and he threw a major fit. Ah well, don't tell him that we let him enjoy his book while, mom & dad opened most of the others for him. 

Seriously...he loved looking at his new book!
Thank You Aunt Meghan! 

Then it was a day of serious rest and relaxation. It was soooo nice. Enjoying a wonderful time with family, it doesn't get any better than that!  We loved spending the entire week there. We played lots of games, watched some great movies and soaked in some great family time!

Andrew loved being chased by his cousins...

He also loved Grandma's piano...and her piano music. He knew right where to go to get into it. And if it was quiet, I knew right where to look.

One day we spent a chilly afternoon at the nature center. Living in Texas has sure made us wimps. It really was a warm 30 degrees, but I was really dying after a few minutes out in the cold.

Andrew wasn't quite sure what he thought about the cold either....

We also spent one day down in Detroit  Stephen's parents both work in the Temple on Saturday mornings. So his little brother James and the two of us went down with them and spent the day in the temple doing work. This was especially meaningful for us all, as we did sealings and work for Stephen's grandparents. I'm so grateful we got to be a part of it. What a wonderful day!

The week went way too fast and it was sad to leave and come home. Andrew went through withdrawals from all the love and attention he got. He sure loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa!