9th day of Christmas

Today was our Christmas Eve get-together that wasn't on Christmas Eve. We always go to my parents that evening & open gifts. My brother and sister and their families are there as well. We eat way too much & have a blessed time together. My parents being the "grandparents of the year" decided to spend the holiday in Florida this year. They did not want Leah & Brent to be alone. My parents have a home there too & invited the kids to come & spend Christmas with them. Leah & Brent are so homesick that I know they are thrilled. My parents will leave early tomorrow morning (12/22) to decorate & get ready for their very excited guests.

My family got the kiddos amazing gifts. They spoil them way too much. Having aunts and uncles is the best.

Because my parents will not be home for Christmas, we did some new things this year. We always have a family tree trimming at my mom's. Everyone gets together, enjoys another opportunity to eat, decorates the tree & just hangs out. A few weeks ago my sister & brother in law decided to have the tree trimming at their house so that the family tradition continued. How cool was that? We all took a yummy breakfast food and had a gigantic breakfast. We then decorated my sister's tree with some of the family decorations. The kids had such a fun time. Kirsten especially LOVED decorating the tree. My mom always had a special ornament for each child with their name on it. Each foster child had one as well. I still remember driving somewhere with her as a child to go pick up one of these "treasured" ornaments. You just knew you were going on a special errand. My mom always wanted everyone to feel loved and wanted. She is just such a beautiful person. Thanks for the special day Amy & Matt!