Christmas

Another year of relaxation at the holidays. I couldn't ask for more. No chaos. Just my family, pajamas, and "A Christmas Story". It couldn't have been more perfect. Really.

Our Christmas Eve was spent with the Light family and it was wonderful. As always, my Aunt Carla, out did herself with another spectacular meal. She even topped off the afternoon with my Grandmother's signature cidar. It made me miss her...If I could describe my aunt to someone who hasn't had the pure joy of meeting her before, I would say that she's like opening up a good Southern Living. She's warm and inviting. I love her. And I love having her and her family close. I don't think I realized how much so, until we accompanied them to a Christmas Eve children's service. It scored a 10 for cheesiness, that is, after my amazing cousin stepped down from the stage after singing a Christmas special with her class, which we missed because they started a full 5 minutes early. I could've cried... As I was sitting in the pew with Tim on one side of me and my cousin Andie Lauren on the other with Holden on her lap, I was overcome with emotion and sudden need to soak it all in. It's crazy that in all the places in the world the coast guard could have brought my aunt and her family, God brought them to DC!

1st pair of cowboy boots, from Pops & Mimi

Christmas morning at home

Santa brought Holden a tricycle (it's one that we push from behind)It's hilarious to watch Tim race him around the house. Holden's eyes get really big, he lifts his legs, and he hangs on tight.

He's looking over at the computer. Nana, Papa John, and Aunt Hailee were on the web cam. He kept looking and looking for their faces on the computer, but we couldn't get their picture up, so he just heard their voices. He looked a little confused as to where they were coming from.

A cowboy and a cell phone. Could it be more accurate?

Christmas night we went with the Lights to a Festival of Lights in Maryland. I have to say, I felt like a little kid in the back of a van, sipping hot cocoa, entertained by lights. It was wonderful. I felt so Christmasy. Holden really seemed to love it. His eyes were like saucers.