Christmas Day

After the fun and excitement of Christmas morning (and the previous 2 days and nights), we all needed a nap. Allen asked to sleep with his Daddy on the couch, and I couldn't refuse on Christmas day. After nap, we headed over to Pop and Grandma Judy's to celebrate with them, Tish and Payton, the Gillis', and the Inmans. We love being able to spend Christmas day with them, and were especially thankful that Pop was home from the skilled nursing facility. We missed Ian, who is "studying" in Austria, but enjoyed catching up with everyone else. As Grandma Judy said, "Being together is what makes Christmas, Christmas." We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas or break. We are so thankful for such precious times together and pray that 2012 is filled with many more special times with friends and family.

Christmas Morning

Santa came to visit Allen this year and was very generous – probably because Allen is such a good boy! On Christmas Eve we stayed at the Baez house until after midnight, and Allen was busy playing the whole time. So, Christmas morning was the latest he’d ever slept. He was still in bed at 9:15! When he woke up, he was all giggles but very relaxed. We told him that Santa had come and left toys and presents. Allen smiled and cheered, then asked for his milk and cheerios. He said, “I resting.” When he was satisfied with his mini-breakfast and “resting” time, he ventured into the living room to find a bounce house! Santa sure knew what he’d like; he jumped for almost an hour before he’d even look at his other gifts. Grandad came to see Allen’s reaction to Santa’s visit and was a great help with pictures and video. Allen did, eventually, open all his gifts from Santa and Mommy and Daddy to find mostly books and clothes, not that he is short on toys. He also got a stick horse, cowboy hat, and rock n roll Elmo. We know that Jesus is the reason for the season, but Santa sure is fun too!

Baez Christmas

Family fun for Christmas continued at the Baez house. After a nap at home and Christmas Eve service at The Heights, we headed over to the Baez house on the night of the 24th. Allen and Nathan kept everything lively, even so late at night. They even tried to get Junior involved by using their silliness to make him giggle. We had traditional prayers and dinner before opening the gifts. The boys were all spoiled with toys, clothes, and books, and we all had a great time.