Sweet Holidays

First blog post of the new year and it's all about events from last year.  Go figure.  But I couldn't possibly NOT post about Christmas and New Year's Eve, even if it is a couple of weeks late.  I promise I'll be brief.


Basically, we had a fantastic Christmas!  


Our Christmas tree was not overflowing with gifts (nor was it the most beautiful).  I didn't get to participate in any Black Friday or post Christmas shopping, which I both love and hate to do.  And the stress of financial burdens threatened to overshadow our Christmas spirit.  But it didn't!  As a self-proclaimed worry wart, I was completely surprised to find that I sincerely enjoyed the holiday season.  We carried out all of our family traditions, we spent a lot of time together, and it's possible that I listened to more Christmas music this year than in several others combined.  I had many moments to ponder the true importance of Christmas and how extremely blessed we are.

Christmas Eve Jammies

 On Christmas morning I loved the kids' looks of surprise...

...and their sweet excitement...

...even over sippy cups.  

(What's wrong with being practical?)

Sigh!  Love their sisterly teamwork

heart...melting 

One of my very favorite faces

Playing the girls' new game, Disney 'Headbanz'
Carlos and I may have liked playing it more than they did.

 I loved having Christmas on a Sunday.  My kids even waited patiently until we got out of church to open their gifts.  (Except for Santa's.)  And notice the incredibly bright sunlight shining through the window in the above photo.  It was a gorgeous sunny day and I was thrilled about it!


We were privileged to spend the new year in Boise with my best friend, Krista, and her new baby (whom I like to call my niece.)  We had talked about our future children since we were in 4th grade, so to finally meet the real deal was pretty amazing. 

Mia was blessed on New Year's Day

On New Year's Eve we went ice skating.  I didn't actually skate; Not because I'm a party pooper, but because I had to sit with Ellia, who was already fighting sleep, and Fiona.

Is there a cutest bench warmer event in the Olympics?

Later that night we played Sardines (like Hide and Seek, but in reverse) and I totally felt like a kid again.  I even felt like I might pee my pants while searching around in the dark.  (That happens to everyone when they play hide-and-seek, right?)  It was awesome!  


Not everyone made it to midnight...

but those that did enjoyed a night of lots of food and lots of laughter.  20 years of friendship provides a lot to laugh about...

December 17, 1993

...like this photo.  I don't even know where to begin making fun of myself.  For starters: the bangs!  On top of that, I am literally wearing my mom's sweater.  Yikes.  How many awkward years can one girl endure?  But Krista looks cute, right!
  
And here we are now; me still slightly awkward, and Krista still being cute.

(Someone please have pity on me and 

take me to a hairdresser!)

My second family