Well the blog is behind as usual but hey, a post twice a month is better than none at all right? Christmas was really awesome with the kids this year. Ella just realized that Santa is actually not such a bad guy because he delivered her a little play house this year. She of course cried at the sight of him but after she figured out Christmas morning he brings her presents she was pretty happy. Dean really just loved all the attention and the paper and bows. He climbed present towers and tried to eat everything in sight but that's what 9 month olds do. We celebrated Christmas "or Faux Christmas" with my family in Danville the weekend before which was nice because all the pressure was off after that and we got to double our celebrations. Also we were home for the actual holiday which was nice this year. Christmas Eve we went to church and went over to a friend's house for dinner which was wonderful. Great meal and great conversation and Ella did awesome staying up late to party like a champ! Christmas morning we celebrated with Grandma in our jammies and opened presents and stockings and had a birthday muffin tower for Jesus. (Jake likes to make a birthday cake for Jesus every year so that's become a family breakfast tradition). Then we all stayed in our jammies and started getting ready for a big dinner with family and friends at our house. We had my grandparents, my parents, neighborhood friends and their parents and Grandma. It was really fun and so great to just visit for the holiday which I'm realizing that's what it's all about. I guess it took me a while now that I'm an adult but I just cherished the time with others so much more than the gifts this year. Also, I have a bit of perspective as my cousin's son is in the NICU this Christmas and I've just been thinking about them a lot. He is doing better now and they knew his condition before he was born but things like this really do bring your life into perspective and make me so grateful for the life we've been blessed with. So on this Christmas and heading into the New Year Jake and I just want to say we are so glad you're all in our lives and let's remember the joy of family and friendships all year round. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
