More Christmas

We are blessed this year with having a few Christmases. The three of us flew out Sunday night the 23rd to visit Jori's extended family in the Bay Area. We stayed for 3 days and had SOOO much fun. Gracie was able to see her great grandparents (Gigi and George), her great aunts and uncles (Aunt Caron, Uncle Frank, Aunt Jannie, and UB), and mommy's cousins, who we call Aunt and Uncle (Eric, Kara, and Cameron). It was the first time we got to spend with Eric and Kara since their wedding in June. What a blessing! I am so proud of my cousin...you chose good, brother!! We had a great time getting to know Kara and submerging her in the Garfield side family Christmas. She survived, so points for her there!! Kara, you are a blessing in so many ways. Thanks for becoming part of our family!! We love you!!

Our weekend was spent playing lots of card games, talking, and just enjoying each other's company. We got to see Grandmama AND Grandpapa play the Wii! I thought the world was ending!! (Mike, it was awesome!) They both held their own, and actually, Grandmama skunked everyone getting a Turkey in bowling. Way to go GIGI!! I am glad Brian brought it with us. And a special thank you to my auntie! The food, AMAZING!!! Your hospitality, gracious. The time was truly priceless. Thank you for the hard work you put into the weekend and spoiling us rotten! You truly are the best!

I loved each minute we spent up north, always do, but this time was extra special for me. It was the first Christmas that Gracie got into the idea of gifts and Jesus' birthday. She was very excited to help UB be Santa and hand out all the gifts. She was on pins and needles waiting for each one to open their gifts, and she was so expressive. Truly attentive to each one's gift and thrilled when it was her turn. I am so blessed to have such a thankful kiddo, too. She made sure to thank each person, yet couldn't figure out who to thank for Santa gifts. Ah, youth! Gracie kept reminding all of us the reason for the season, quoting the whole weekend Luke 2:11 -- For unto you is born this day a Saviour which is Christ the Lord!" Yeah AWANA!!

Thank you to everyone who made this trip a fun time and a great memory. This mommy is truly happy. I love you all!!! I miss you already, and cannot wait for our next trip! Gracie is already asking when we get to go back. Me too!

Christmas

This year we had a special Christmas. It was Gracie's cousin's, Sydney Rebecca Patterson, first Christmas. Gracie had a great time looking and snuggling the baby. She really had never been around one before. It melted this mom's heart to see how much our little girl already loves their little girl. It is instant bonding. And of course, Brian and I enjoyed ourselves too. We spent a fun evening with Brian's side of the family exchanging gifts, laughing, playing with the baby, and of course, eating. Aunt Ruth and Becky cooked their hearts out, and it was GOOD!!! After we ate, we all watched the kiddos open gifts, and did an exchange with the adults, too. Then we played a gift exchange game. I was hoping there would be more gift stealing, but to my dismay, I was the only thief that night. Oh well, there is hope for next year. Everyone left with pretty cool gifts...I think it was a big success. After our gift opening we played a game, "Would you rather...?" You had to agree as a group which of two ridiculous situations you would rather be a part of. "While you are camping, would you rather have ants crawl in your ears and nose, or wake up with someone else's toe in your mouth?" No real good answers, but the game made for some huge belly laughs. My observation that we are all crazy was solidified. Can't wait for the next game. Thanks to the entire Knowlton/Patterson clan for opening up their home and sharing such a wonderful night. Love you guys!!!

Gingerbread house

Brian and Gracie had so much fun creating their gingerbread house. Gracie was most excited about the candy, but the idea of being messy and sticky was a close second. Brian was so excited to share this first with his little girl. They had so much fun planning and decorating the yard, house, and even a dog. Gingerbread house making was a long time tradition in my life growing up, and now I hope that it can live on in our kiddo's life. I know she'll be asking for one next year!