Road trippin'
Yes, this sweet mini van was our holiday chariot and it was fab I tell you. Just fab. It belongs to my father in law and for road trips, this is the way to go. So much space, more comfortable and easier access to car seat/diaper changes. Anyway, not a sponsored post just a grateful for a mini van rant.
We stayed with my parents and visited with my cousins, aunts and uncles on both sides which was great. Ellie gets to spend time with them and we get to catch up a bit. My cousin Joy and Frankie are kind enough to open up their house to the family for breakfast on Christmas morning and the food and company never disappoint. (Thank you Joy!). My dad's side of the family is large but someone always steps up and invites ALL of us over to fellowship to together which is admirable. Just like good ole times when families always got together no matter how big.
Christmas Eve
Playing on Christmas Eve. The toys my mom has at her house were the ones my grandma always had (my cousins know what I'm talking about!) they are all like 20+ yrs old with more emphasis on the plus, but still in great shape!
Christmas baby
We spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house and bounced to different family on Christmas Day.
Sweet time with cousins :)
On Friday, we did something I hadn't done in ages. We went to my Grandmas for lunch. At Christmas I always think back on how we used to PACK in her house to celebrate. We did the math the other on who all came: 17 people in all? 8 kids 9 adults. Just to give you some prospective in case you have never seen my grandma's house, it is tiny and old but that is what made it so fun and cozy! The kids all on the floor tearing into gifts, my grandma's little multi colored light tree in the corner. We all ate dinner there and then opened gifts. You know my mom even said whilst discussing this: I don't remember anyone ever complaining about it and she's right. We were all just happy to be there. The cousins, aunt and uncle were in from PA (always the highlight as a kid who hadn't seen her beloved cousins in a year!) and we were just happy to all be together. Man. I kinda wish it could all happen again but I know our family has grown even more (which is great!) and we could only be there celebrating with "standing room only" haha.
So on that note, even though I felt like we were trying to see everyone, there was still some family and a friend Ellie and I didn't get to see. Hopefully next time. Still kinda sad about that though.
OMG
How many kids get their own elephant for Christmas!?
Christmas Day
Ok this needs a visual. My dad was making her legs "dance" in this picture and it was hilarious! Believe me, she was laughing too!
At my cousin joys on Christmas Day. She was surrounded by so much love! Makes a momma happy.
Sweet time with cousins :)
On Friday, we did something I hadn't done in ages. We went to my Grandmas for lunch. At Christmas I always think back on how we used to PACK in her house to celebrate. We did the math the other on who all came: 17 people in all? 8 kids 9 adults. Just to give you some prospective in case you have never seen my grandma's house, it is tiny and old but that is what made it so fun and cozy! The kids all on the floor tearing into gifts, my grandma's little multi colored light tree in the corner. We all ate dinner there and then opened gifts. You know my mom even said whilst discussing this: I don't remember anyone ever complaining about it and she's right. We were all just happy to be there. The cousins, aunt and uncle were in from PA (always the highlight as a kid who hadn't seen her beloved cousins in a year!) and we were just happy to all be together. Man. I kinda wish it could all happen again but I know our family has grown even more (which is great!) and we could only be there celebrating with "standing room only" haha.
So on that note, even though I felt like we were trying to see everyone, there was still some family and a friend Ellie and I didn't get to see. Hopefully next time. Still kinda sad about that though.
My dear friends
This year was extra special of course. Ellie had her first Christmas! Boy did she get some loot to take home! She was exhausted every night after all the playing and visiting she did. What a special little girl she is. As a parent it is fantastic to sit back and watch your child get loved on. You just can't beat that.
Not about the presents but it was funny to see this little baby and then the huge generosity of her family! Ellie LOVED the attention she got everyday from her NC family. Gosh it was sweet.
This year we did a couple "service projects" and I hope to do more next year and during the year. If something can help others and make you a better person? sign me up.
On Christmas Day
With the loot! Babe in toyland. Can you spot her?
With her stocking
This year we did a couple "service projects" and I hope to do more next year and during the year. If something can help others and make you a better person? sign me up.
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