Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Friday, January 11, 2013

Joys of Christmas

Christmas 2012 was definitely special, 
but a bit different, in that I worked both Christmas Eve and Christmas night. 
But in my house, Christmas can happen any day of year. So Christmas this year consisted of little bits of fun in the midst of sleep for me. And lots of snuggling those sweet NICU babies as I prayed for them and cared for them.

Grandma's house Christmas morning is the one part of Christmas that always happens at the same time, due to the sheer volume of people that come. I love the chaos that ensues when we get my mom's four brothers and families and cousins together. Nothing like it.

and nothing like her christmas tree.
 my grandma is the cutest. and my mom is the other cutest.

 of course J and Carly have to have their photo shoot. 
 i love my mom. i was about to fall over from sleepiness and joy at this point :)
 it's not christmas without these yummies from grandma.
 my ladies. four muskateers.
 did i mention this girl is my new {and old} TRAVEL BUDDY?!

J had some get-togethers with his fam over the few days I was working also, which I don't have pictures of.
Our Christmas together with our families happened December 26th. 
{after work... i didn't really dress up for photos this year :)}

 one thing i realized in this photo series is that we look like crazy dog people. we didn't have our Sammy to calm things down this year, and my goodness, these three young lads sure know how to get 
in. the. middle. of. everything.
steve was so sweet to go into work a little late and put his robe on to emulate christmas morning.
we made carly a photo book of Ava's first year. :)
j got a rad cute little ladder.
snuggle/play time with uncle john.
 i love my mommy, says ava penney. {her new nickname}
 us and our kids. just wait til there are real kids. oh goodness.
 finally they were tired.
 emma loves her grandma. {both of them}. little snuggle bug.
 watch dog x 3

Then we went home and I went to sleep. 
That evening, we went to J's parents for yummy pizza and dessert and presents. 
Christmas part 3!!
somehow we didn't get quite as many pictures here. but there was just as much love.

I love love love Christmas. Hopefully next year I will be a little less tired through the whole thing {although I'm thinking this may be the way of a hospital nurse, which I'm ok with!},
but I am definitely thankful for family to share it with.
And I am thankful for the Savior who was born that day in Bethlehem to save us all.
Best gift ever!!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Capture the moment

maybe my favorite moment of Christmas day
two of my favorites [aka sister and husband] goofing off

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Christmas with the McGoverns

We finished off Christmas day at John's parents' house for a lovely evening full of 
wonderful food, sweet gifts, and laughs. 


Aunt Barbara snuggling with Emma

John and Kris prepping to call Sam and Valinda in West Virginia for a little video chat :)
It was serious business :)

Baker's new ball

J's new pretty router and socks
 and my new pretty scarf

Stocking time! (Emma remembered how fun stockings can be)

 I made John's grandmas each a scrapbook. They were so sweet looking at them.

 Why yes, we did finish the evening with coffee and cannolis!

What a wonderful evening.
I'm so blessed to have such wonderful in-laws!

What was (in general) exchanged?
J received: a new shirt, a wireless router, and sandals
I received: Anthro stuff! (cute bowls, lotion, and a gift card), an Outback and Coffee Bean gift card, a scarf and matching gloves, and a Mary Englebreit daily calendar
We received: stocking stuffers, Sees balls, a few books, and a family ornament

John received: two new neckties and a book
Kris received: a sweater, Chris Tomlin CD, rolling pin, and Starbucks coffee
Parents received: a family picture and yummy jelly
Grandmas received: homemade scrapbooks, and biscuit mix and jelly

Christmas at Grandma's house

As usual, we headed to my Grandma and Grandpa's house Christmas morning for the most amazing breakfast feast, present-opening, family-gathering, love-abounding craziness!

 Present passing is serious business.

We had fun with my cousins this year.

Caylee and Caitlin
 Nicholas
 trying on his new Charger hat from Uncle Steve and Aunt Lindy

We gave Grandma a little truck for her garden.

 My grandma likes cute funny decorative things like that... :)

I have the cutest sister and mom!!

 and also the cutest husband and stepdad :)


love these ladies


Photo shoot, numero dos


 We had a great time celebrating Christmas at Grandma's house :)