We travel on Christmas (although that may not be the case too much longer -- we really want the girls to experience Christmas morning at their house), have been fortunate to see both families on Christmas Day since we've been married.
We left for Jasper on Tuesday evening. Our hope was that the girls would sleep the whole way and then transition easily to their beds and we could get a good night's sleep (since we wouldn't arrive until around midnight). Well, we couldn't have been more wrong. Ashley had just started antibiotics for an ear infection and woke up about two hours into the trip. She stayed away the rest of the time and Annabelle woke up when we arrived and the girls weren't back asleep until 4a.m.. Mommy and Daddy were exhausted.
We spent the 23rd - 26th in Jasper. We played outside a lot (it was crazy warm--almost 80), and enjoyed the time with our cousin, Blaire, and all of our other family. On Christmas Eve, we all went to Christmas Eve church at George's childhood church. My two favorite church services of the year are Christmas Eve and Easter. I love the significance they hold for my faith, as well as the tradition of getting extra dressed up and going (usually) with all of our family. Of course, the cousins all had matching Christmas dresses!
Christmas morning my parents drove to Jasper to spend the day with us. The girls were so happy to see them, and so was everyone else. It was so nice to have our whole family together. Matt and Cortney (and Blaire) headed to her family shortly after lunch and we lounged around the rest of the afternoon. The girls got so many fun toys that they could hardly contain themselves. George's parents bought them the cutest little Minnie 4-wheelers. Ashley was unsure from the beginning, which isn't surprising since she is so cautious. Annabelle jumped on and zoomed off, nearly crashing into our car. Since then, she hasn't wanted much to do with it. I have no doubt she will be zooming in no time!
The day after Christmas we traveled to my parents' house to celebrate Christmas with them. They kindly took the dogs that morning so they could have extra time to run and play at their house (the dogs' favorite thing EVER). We had a more comfortable drive to West Columbia, not being quite so tight in the car. Once we got there, the girls excitedly opened their gifts and excitedly played with Legos, a baby stroller and everything else. That evening, Tyson was hit by a car and passed away. As previously mentioned, we were/are devastated.
The next day was full of visitors -- Aunt Lynn came over and brought the girls' gifts. She got them Bitty Babies, which are American Girl dolls for little ones. They have been the best moms to those babies since we got home! Hunter, Meghan, Quinn and Hayes came for a visit that evening. Monday Aunt Dixie and Uncle Matt came for a visit and we enjoyed seeing them so much. We had Mexican food Monday night, and everybody was full and happy. The girls had such a fun time playing with my old kitchen and toys and then all of their new toys.
We headed home on Tuesday, the 29th, and had our third Christmas when we got home. George and I got the girls a play kitchen, golf clubs (Daddy's special gift), pea coats, puzzles, and blocks. They had so much energy and did not want to go to sleep that night! We enjoyed the rest of Christmas break just taking it easy and enjoying each other. Plus, it was so nice not to have to rush out of the house in the mornings and really enjoy a second cup of coffee (and in pajamas). We had such a wonderful Christmas season with family, friends, and celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
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