Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas and spent a LOT of time with family!  It was so nice this year because I didn't have to worry about going back to work when all the hustle and  bustle was over.  I was able to enjoy every moment of the season.  Well...almost every moment. : ) Haha! I AM human, and anyone that knows me knows I'm never happy ALL the time. 

Anyways, back to Christmas.  The season was off to a rough start when Avery got a virus and was down for almost a week.  She was pitiful and felt awful.  We spent a lot of time at home!!!!  So I was glad when she perked up in time to travel for Christmas.  We went to my parents house for a couple of days to see my brother and his wife who were in town from Canada.  Then we headed to Arkansas to celebrate with Chris' family.  Avery was such a trooper!  She spent several hours in the car and did pretty well.  It is tradition that we drive to Chris' parents' house and do Christmas with them, and then we drive to southern Arkansas on Christmas Eve to see his mom's family.  So, this year was no different.  We strapped Avery in and attempted to see just how flexible she could be. I was pleasantly surprised at her ability to go with the flow.

Chris' mom (in blue shirt) with her siblings

Avery and Heidi playing with her present

Chris, Avery, and Cory ready to open presents

Avery got some great presents!  Chris was right...we really didn't need to get her anything this year!  haha! She would have never noticed.  

After opening presents, we loaded up and headed back to Burleson.  We left a little after Avery's bed time and quickly figured out how nice it was to travel while she slept. : )  She made one little peep, and we made it the whole way without stopping.  Christmas IS a time for miracles!! 

We spent Christmas Eve night at my sister's house in Burleson.  My BIL, Larry, had set up a little Christmas tree upstairs for the three of us.  Avery woke up and was in awe.  So much so that she stayed awake for an hour admiring the tree and her kitchen from Santa.  Good thing she's too young to really understand what was going on!  

Our little set up upstairs



Avery finally getting her hands on the kitchen

She has thoroughly enjoyed her kitchen!!  



Our next stop was my parents' house.  I am all about tradition, and I am so thankful I still get to be at "my" house Christmas morning.  It works out very nicely that our families celebrate on different days. This year my whole family was in town.  My sister and nephew came from Wisconsin, my brother and SIL from Canada, and my other sister and her family are in Burleson. 

After everyone finally got ready we opened presents and sat down for a big breakfast.  Our family is up to 13 people so Christmas has become quite the ordeal, but I LOVE IT! 

Chris surrounded by all the gifts. Most of them were for Avery!

Calman was so fun to watch!! Perfect age for Christmas!

My brother, Bo, and his wife, Rachel.

My sister, Kellie, and her son, Calman.

My sister, Becca, and her husband, Larry.

Chris helping Avery open her presents.  She had PLENTY to open!

My dad, a.k.a. G-Daddy, opening his gun. : )

Maddie and Riley

Later that day my aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandmother came over for Christmas dinner.  Then the next day we had more family out!  It was so good to see everyone, but also so tiring!  I don't know how my mom does it.  She is an amazing hostess!  Avery and I stayed there several more days and tried to make the most of the time we had with Kellie, Calman, Bo, and Rachel.  I already miss them!! 

It was a great holiday, but I am SO happy to be home!  Mostly because Avery is in her own  bed and back to sleeping through the night!! Can I get an AMEN?!?!