This year, we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with Adam's parents. Adam's sister and her husband couldn't make the trip as they were at home in Columbus, OH awaiting the arrival of a couple "bundles of joy." Because of that, the family celebration was missing a few "key" people. We managed to enjoy ourselves, however. We all went to a 4 pm church service which was designed to be "family and kid friendly." Christmas Eve church is a special part of both of our christmas traditions and while the timing of the 4 pm service fit in ideally with Avery's schedule, Adam and I both longed for the candlelight service we have attended in years past. I suppose it was just one of many things this season that reminded Adam and I that Avery's arrival into our family has certainly set our feet on a new path. After church we headed back to Adam's parents for dinner and some early gift opening. Adam's mom and I are cut from a similiar mold in that we both get so excited about giving gifts that we have a hard time waiting until Christmas morning...so we had to open a couple on Christmas Eve.
Avery, of course, seemed much more interested in the wrapping paper and ribbons than in any of the fun toys and gifts she had received. And while we had expected that, it still made us giggle as we ended up spending much more time with her new toys than she did.
She did seem to become more interested in the opening of the gifts on Christmas morning.
As always, we had a lovely time at Adam's parents and even seemed to impress Santa enough not to get a hunk of coal in our stockings. Adam's favorite gift, a new sweatshirt from our alma mater. My favorite gift, probably that sweatshirt as well since now he can officially retire the red Miami sweatshirt he wears as if it were his uniform.
On Christmas afternoon, we headed over to my family's house. My mom, as usual, was hosting a big crowd and so we quickly had to exchange presents between one another before the rest of the family arrived. I received one of my favorite gifts in a long time from my sister... a greeting card box filled with greeting cards all of which had been personally made. My sister is insanely creative and talented and this gift was no exception. I don't think I want to even send these cards out they are so cool.
Other favorite gifts: a new hat for Avery that she looks so stinkin cute in and her first soccer ball. Her dad knew that the earlier she got her hands on a ball, the quicker she'd learn that she needs to use her feet. Unfortunately for me, I thought she might have learned that lesson in utero, but no dice...
All in all, we had a beautiful and happy Christmas holiday. Our biggest gift, however... the reminder that the birth of Jesus was our gift of grace from our Creator and his reminder to us that we are dearly loved.
Hoping your Christmas was merry,
Katie
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