Holiday Recap

Things have been a little crazy around here lately but I wanted to do a quick recap of our holidays(before I forget something).

Thanksgiving:

We went to Missouri to spend the weekend with Kevin’s family. We had lunch at Kim’s with her family and Jimmy. It was a traditional feast with turkey, stuffing, and sides. It was nice to sit together as a family and just talk. It was a little sad not having Keith there though. (He is in Alaska serving a mission.) Later that evening we went to Adam & Julie’s (Kevin’s step-brother) to spend some time with his dad and Karleen.It was so much fun to sit around and reminisce with them and hear funny stories. Our kids had a blast too because there were other kids to entertain them and they got to watch a movie (their favorite past time). It really made me home sick for the holidays. Our last holiday we spent with my family was the Christmas before we moved to Arkansas… 4 years ago. I think we are due for an Arizona holiday extravaganza! Overall, Thanksgiving was very relaxed and oddly sad. I guess that’s just what happens when you miss your family.

Christmas:

Christmas Eve we went over to our friends the Wells’ house for their traditional Christmas Eve Chowder. Boy is it AMAZING!! Seriously, Dan makes the best clam chowder and cheesecakes! We then came home and opened our traditional Christmas Eve Jammies. The boys were so excited about their presents and slippers. Cooper has been asking to wear shoes around the house so I figured it was only appropriate for him to get some “house shoes.” The boys were then tucked into bed and we proceeded to fill the stockings and haul out the presents and set up for the morning. Surprisingly, everyone in our household slept in. Once the boys were awake we began opening the stockings and then waited for Grandma to arrive. We opened presents all morning long and it was magical! I love that A & C are so intrigued with every gift they receive and they play with each one until they realized there were more setting under the tree. They were pleased with everything they received. After the morning rush of unwrapping presents was over it was time to eat! If there was one word that described our Christmas I would have to say it DELICIOUS!! It was probably my best holiday meal yet. We had a delicious herb-crusted roast, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry salad, stuffing, deviled eggs, green bean casserole, and homemade rolls. I was so stuffed! We invited the Wells family over because Holidays are more fun when you share them with other people. We had a blast and played games with them until it was time for the boys to go to bed.

The Monday after Christmas Kevin’s dad and brother, Jimmy, came down to visit. We had a great time just enjoying one another’s company. Its nice that we are close enough to still get together with family over the holidays even if it makes me completely home sick for Arizona and my family.