Rob and I made it back from Texas in time for the holidays, which means that we were able to spend a lot of time with family and friends. We felt extremely blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones. Christmas this year was very special for us. Our first gift we were given was the opportunity to have an ultrasound five days before Christmas. We found comfort in knowing that our baby is healthy and strong. We also found out that we will be blessed with a baby GIRL! Like I have said before, I really thought it was a boy but I guess daddy was right on this one! Even still, we couldn't be happier. I am looking forward to all the girl time she and I will be able to spend together.
As I said, we were able to spend quality time with both our families. We spent most of Christmas Eve with my side of the family having a dinner/party at my parents house in Fruitland. Later that evening we went out to the Christensen's to spend the night and have an early Christmas morning with Charlotte and Justin's family. It was so great to see the kids light up as they opened their gifts from Santa. All of the kids loved their gifts with the exception of Benson. He wanted Lexi's legos instead of his Tonka truck, but all of that changed once Jut showed him that he could sit in his truck and get pushed around. We really enjoyed spending some one on one time with Char's kids and hope that this wasn't the last time. Since Christmas was on a Sunday everyone left for church at nine, so that's when we went into town to do a second Christmas morning with my family.
This year was an emotional one for me because we aren't sure if we will make it back for Christmas in 2012. It was sad to think that this could be the last time in a long while that my whole family would be in one place at one time. One of this year's highlights was the time I was able to spend working on our families' gift for my mom. We refinished one of her old window frames and then put recent pictures of all the kids in each pane. It was neat to be there as she opened it and see the look on her face as she realized what her gift was. I could tell from the look in her eyes that it will be one of her most cherished gifts. Among the many things that we did this Christmas was our traditional breakfast: Waffles with ice cream, strawberries, and whipped cream. If you haven't tried it you are missing out! It is spectacular! I look forward to continuing that tradition with my children!! :)
The week following Christmas, Rachel, Marie, Brian and their families came for a visit so we were able to spend a lot of time with them. It was so fun to see all of them again and catch up on each others lives. I know that the guys enjoyed shooting and racing around with Rob and Trav's RC cars. They love getting time to show off their cars. If we had thought it through, we would have mentioned to Tyler that they had their cars so he could bring his, but they still had fun, regardless. Rob tells me that the next time we are home he is going to have to see Tyler's car in action. Boys will be boys! The only down fall that came with putting that many people in a house all at once, is that the germs spread quickly! Somehow, the flu "bug" crept into the house and a hand full of us swallowed it, me included. From colds and sore throats at my house to the flu and upset stomach at Rob's, we spent most of the holiday season fighting one or the other. Not the ideal way to spend time with family but we still were able to play games, laugh together, and make lasting memories.
We are both so grateful for everything we have been given this past year. Especially the time we were able to spend with family. We love all of you and are grateful for your love and support. We are definitely looking forward to the time we are able to come back to the States to see everyone again, however, this time it won't be just the two of us. :) We hope everyone was able to feel all the love and joy that we felt this holiday season.
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