A slice of our Christmas

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year. The spirit and joy and love abounded and we were able to do so many fun things as a family, and it was HEAVEN not having the kids on a schedule, not worrying about homework, and just relaxing a little (in between parties, school programs, holiday baking, jewelry making, and many photo shoots).

Christmas Eve

Cooper found a new use for his and Carver's "stocking"

The best part of Christmas was having John's mom, Barbara, in town for a visit. I don't think we have spent a Christmas with family since we moved here, and though we have enjoyed our own family and friends, there is just something special about sharing a holiday with family that comes to visit. Barbara was supposed to get in late Christmas Eve, but because her flight got cancelled, she didn't get here until 5:30 a.m. She even got three hours of sleep at our house before our kids woke up. What a wonderful Christmas morning gift to have her in our home. The kids were ecstatic.

I love the look on Cooper's face as he ran in to see what Santa brought him. Cooper brought us all joy this year. His little laugh, his excited face, and his non-stop jabbering about Santa... and Grandma...was so cute to hear.

I had to post a picture of this blanket. My friend Stefanie Dowdy makes and sells these gorgeous "minky" blankets. Unbelievably soft. Tons of colors and patterns. She and I did a trade this year (blankets for photography), and the blankets were a huge hit. She makes baby sizes, security blankets, and these big ones. I will have to put a link to her website on my blog. Her stuff is AMAZING.

We went to the town of Celebration the day after Christmas to enjoy dinner, the lights, and most of all...THE FAKE SNOW. What can I say...we have no other options for snow. The kids loved it. They felt like they were in a winter wonderland as they got covered in...suds basically.

This amazing house was a fun destination of Christmas night. I have never seen more lights on one house. There were little paths to walk around, and displays in the windows, and it was delightful.

We had such a great visit with John's mom. She was only here a short while, but we filled every minute with fun. Such great memories of snuggling up on the couch and watching movies with her, staying up late talking, going shopping with her, and going on all our little outings. Thanks for making our Christmas great Grandma!