Christmas Fun

Our Christmas season was a blast! We spent Christmas Eve Eve with the Barkers, Uncle Chris, and Bubba at Longhorn Steakhouse--tradition! Christmas Eve day we were with Uncle Scott and his family from Columbus and they joined us for the Apex Christmas Eve service, and Christmas day was busy busy! We began the day at our home, just the three of us. Reagan woke up rather late and when she came downstairs she saw one of her presents already set up...a baby doll stroller! After the dolly stroller was discovered we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast and read the story of Jesus' birth from Reagan's story book Bible (thanks to Aunt Kendall). We opened presents at home and then headed to my parents' home in Beavercreek for a few hours of Christmas.

We enjoyed sticky buns, appetizers, punch, coffee, wassail, and of course...visiting with Mike and Maggie who flew in from Boston Christmas morning. After the family reflected on the Christmas song, O Holy Night, and a time of prayer, we opened stockings and presents. Very fun!

A few hours later we headed for Michigan to spend time with Jason's side of the family. It was the smoothest drive to Michigan we've ever had. No construction, no traffic, great weather, and a pretty happy 14 month old all made for a trip made in 4 hours rather than the usual 5 hours. We spent time with Mema, Mike, LaRae and had a good time of catch up while we waited for Phil, Amber, Gibson, and Maya to join us the next day. That evening we read the Christmas story (KJV style) and reflected on Jesus' birth, followed by presents. Reagan didn't sleep very well in Mi, so her attitude was lacking a certain usual charm. Nevertheless, it was a good night.

The next day we enjoyed time with the fam and got ready for the Wing Family Christmas with about 45 family members, hosted by Jeff and Cathy Rider. Whoa was that crowded but so great! I can't imagine what the next few years will bring as the family continues to expand with children! So...that's our Christmas story this year--next year Gideon will be a 10 month old, Reagan will be 2 and 2 months old, and we'll have our little nephew from Ethiopia with us as well. O Come, O Come 2009.

And I'll end with this--Mike and Mags joined us yesterday morning for breakfast from Cracker Barrel. They bought us the goodies and came over to our home. We had great conversation and it was so wonderful to catch up with them. I miss them being close in proximity, but I know we're still close even though they live in Boston. Maggie and I went shopping yesterday and boy did I luck out with maternity clothes! Money from family and M&M deciding to treat me to some extra clothes really helped as I was in desperate need of clothes, especially jeans. Thanks M&M! :) And thanks to all who have read this very long blog.