Out Last Christmas Apart

I absolutely LOVE Christmas! It means that my whole family is all together in one house and although it can be crazy, it is so much fun! Trav and I spent Christmas with our families this year apart. I flew to AZ on Christmas Eve while he stayed in California with his. It was the last time that we would be apart on Christmas! Next year, we will be married and sharing the day with both families! It will be amazing to finally spend Christmas morning together with our families! Before flying out to AZ, I was able to make it to Trav's family Christmas at his AUnt Letty's. It was fun getting to see everyone again and of course, eating delicious food! I had a blast playing hide and seek as well as tag with all his little cousins!(One of these days I will involve myself in the grown-up conversations...but how can I resist a good game of tag?!?!) ( If i hadn't been in a dress I would have climbed that tree too)

( Trav and his cousin Michael)

( Trav's little cousins)

On Christmas Eve, my kids choir perfomed in church and afterwards, Trav and I ate dinner with his family before rushing to the airport.My sisters were waiting for me when I landed in AZ and it finally felt like Christmas when we were all together! We stayed up till all hours of the night finishing last minute wrapping, cooking, and getting ready for the next day. I woke up, bright and early, to my nieces and nephews talking ( very loudly of course to let their parents know that they were indeed awake and ready to go downstairs) and I felt the excitement that I used to as a kid! Opening presents took awhile with all of us there. I always hate it when everyone has opened the gifts I gave them. I love giving gifts...I have been told it's one of my love languages ....and I anxiously wait for Christmas morning for everyone to open them! My sisters and mom made and amazing breakfast! We wait all year long for my mom's Christmas egg dish!I'm salivating just thinking about it! ( The sisters on Christmas Day)

( Parker loves his Papa)

( Sammy was pumped for his remote control car)

( Savi loved her tea set)

( Savi and Kody taking a rest with their Mimi)

Aside from all the gifts and talk of Santa, my parents have made sure that we never forget the true reason for the season....the birth of Christ. I was sad to miss it this year but on every Christmas Eve we take turns reading the Christmas story from Luke. With my whole family joined together, it truly is a magical moment.
I'm sad that this season is over but excited for the new memories to come from next year!