Merry Christmas

This year was a White Christmas and we went to Gainesville and stayed with Steve, Alicia, and Hunter. Every year we take turns with holidays, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with my side and Randy's side. On odd years, my side gets Thanksgiving and it is a White Christmas. It works out great this way and everyone always knows whats going on. My mother in law, Iris and all of Randy's brothers (minus Ryan) went to Gainesville for the holiday and we had so much fun. {We really missed Ryan, Laura, Tay, Tiff, Peyton, and Tanner} During the weekend we hung out, went out and looked at Christmas lights and watched lots of good movies. It is just so nice for us all to be together...you never stop laughing! Sunday we went to church, and made a big Christmas meal early. We ventured out on Christmas Eve and did some last minute shopping, and it wasn't as packed as I thought it was going to be. It is kind of nice to be around all the crowds, listen to the music, and all the festivities going on during Christmas. Maybe it was because I didn't need to purchase anything, and I was just out to be out, that made is so NOT stressful. We went out to eat at a Japanese Restaurant that night and it was so funny to see the kids watch them cook in front of you. Grace wasn't so sure about the fire, but really loved the food.

We all had a wonderful Christmas day and got so many sweet gifts. It was really fun to see the kids reaction to their presents. This year Grace asked Santa for an "Island Princess Dress with Peacock Feathers." Well, she must have been a really good girl, because that is exactly what Santa brought her. Right when she opened it she said, "Oh, its so beautiful!" She loves to dress up like princesses. Some of her other favorites: Aunt Alicia got her some princess accessories that she loves to play with, Granny got her some pretty new clothes, Carol and Grandpa got her a "pretty angel" bedspread as she calls it, and Mimi and Papa got her a Doll House. She is a lucky little girl. Gavin made out like a bandit too and has so much fun playing with his new toys. Some of his fav's are: he loves the puppets Santa brought him, (Mommy loves the cute outfits Granny got him) a mailbox toy from Carol and Grandpa, and the soft blocks from Mimi and Papa. We had such a happy Christmas and are so blessed with the family around us.