Christmas Eve

Every Christmas Eve, my mom's side of the family gets together for dinner and our annual Kris Kringle gift exchange. It's always a wonderful time spent together with family. This year, we celebrated at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Las Cruces. It was a special time with many new memories made... It was Elijah and Aubrey's first Christmas and it is always so special to experience the magic of the holidays through the eyes of a child. We were so thankful to be able to celebrate with Grandpa. We remembered our late Aunt Nancy and some of the wonderful memories of her. And Uncle Rick played Christmas carols on his guitar while we all sang along (plus a little bit of "Old McDonald" upon request of Jaden). Great times.

Christmas caroling...

Jaden, cousin Carli, Uncle Mike, Stacy, my brother Jeremy, and sister-in-law Melissa.

We loved watching Jaden with his little hands in his pockets, tapping his foot, as he sung along to all of the Christmas songs (and made a couple requests of his own).

Michael, Carli, and Elijah.

Our first Christmas as a family of four.

Elijah with his Nana and Aunt Angela.

Did we catch Uncle Jim feeding Aubrey!!

How can you resist that precious face!! Spaghetti kiss, anyone??

We just love these boys!

Opening presents!! Jaden's opening his gifts from his Kris Kringle, cousin Lance. He got a little basket ball set and playdough. He was SUPER excited! (Elijah was asleep through present-opening time)

Aubrey opening her ball-popping choo-choo train.

Jaden helping "G-op" open his presents.

Jaden couldn't wait to try out his new basketball set that he got from Lance. Aubrey couldn't wait either.

Mom opening her memorial frame with pictures of Aunt Nancy. What a beautiful way to remember and honor an incredible person.

Aunt Maureen, Grandpa, Grandma, and Elijah.

Sweet cousins, Elijah and Aubrey.


Happy Holidays from our family to yours.