Christmas Day 2017

 There's nothing like being home on Christmas morning.

I kept breakfast simple with store bought Quiche Lorraine, cinnamon rolls, and fruit.

 This little boy was excited about Christmas at home!

He found a picture of himself in an ornament.

 That face. 😁

 Is there anything cuter than footie pajamas on a toddler?

 First, it was stocking time.

 He got a pack of Hot Wheels. Rescue vehicles, of course!

The girls typically get mints, beef jerky (don't ask, it's a tradition), and a few other odds and ends.

This year, YARN happened to be the perfect thing to stuff in their stockings.

My pink loving girl was overjoyed!

In my stocking, I found the sweetest hand written letter that put me in tears and a CD

of the most beautiful Scripture Songs. #wordsandmusic

My kids know me well. 😄

 He got little gifts from his sisters.

A quick squeeze for sissy.

 All his favorites.

 Thank you, Aunt Jen & Uncle Bryan!

 This boy loves his fire engines!

 They love each other. 💕

 Daddy hides their last gift in the tree so the kids have to look for it.

Three of the best gifts ever. 💝💝💝

And that's a wrap for Christmas 2017!

When you have little kids, being home is always my favorite for Christmas Day. There's nothing quite like waking up in your own bed, preparing breakfast, and waiting for each of my children to wake up and see their excitement that morning.

We were so blessed to have had a wonderful Christmas both at home and with our families in Bakersfield and OC. 

Aside from all the fun and busyness that comes with the season, I hope you had a chance to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas and why it is we celebrate.

God loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to pay the penalty for our sins and die on the cross for you... and for me. The Savior of the world was born over 2,000 years ago. By faith, we can experience the joy, peace, hope, and salvation that comes from having a personal relationship with Him.  

That's the reason why we celebrate.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

-Isaiah 9:6

From our family to yours, thank you for following along with our adventures this year.

We hope we had a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas in Bako and OC

Zach and Coco reunited.

Not sure who was more blissful. 😄

 The girls had fun with Chrissy in her room.

 Doing girlie stuff.

 Faith had fun playing with the accompaniment of a full string orchestra.

My snuggly #2 & #3.

The girls helped Aunt Lucy bake some Christmas cookies.

 Do you think there's enough sprinkles?

 Yummy treats!

 Aunt Lucy is the best!

 Kisses for Grandpa! #meltmyheart

Zach got to open his present first.

 Anything Paw Patrol is a winner with him.

 Daddy helps him set it up.

 Happy boy.

 Grandpa opens his gifts.

More smooches for grandpa.

Faith's turn.

Grace gets a lovely necklace.

Jammin' on his new guitar.

Grandpa and Morgan, looking good.

Roy & Laura.

Lucy and Christina.

Had to snap of photo of the men cleaning the kitchen after dinner. 😄

We know the year is wrong but it was a good try with the candles we had.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

Another highlight for the girls.

They got to see The Last Jedi with daddy, Uncle Ben, Uncle Roy & Aunt Laura.

And that wraps up our few days in Bakersfield. It was so nice to see Grandpa and the rest of the family.

We missed Jennifer and her family this year as well as Shawn but hopefully, we'll all be together again for Thanksgiving next year. Since Grandpa lives in Bakersfield now, we don't get to see him very often anymore but the fact that Zach gave him big kisses when he saw him just blessed my heart tremendously. Zach is quick to hug people but the only other person he would kiss like that (without any prompting) was Grandma. What a sweet thing to witness at Christmas time. 😍 

After 3 days of yummy food, amazing hospitality, quality family time, and lots of playing with the dogs (for Zach), we headed home on Christmas Eve. But not before stopping at my mom's to celebrate Christmas with my family.  

Christmas #2 with the little cousins.

Eleanor and Gomo.

Mom and Rich. 

More presents.

James opens his gift.

Tying out his new boxing gloves on Uncle Morgan.

Madi helping Zach.

Mom and Gomo got the same gift so they opened them together.

Me and Emily, my sweet sister in law.

We celebrated Christmas with my family in my mom's clubhouse this year and it worked out beautifully. We had the large space to ourselves, which was wonderful for the kids to run around. The clubhouse was looking festive and all decorated for Christmas and the tables were already set. We also had full use of the kitchen. My brother made all the delicious food and brought it over.

It was perfect for our family with lots of littles.

After traveling and being away for a few days, it was time to get home to sleep in our own beds.

Hello there, home and desert sky!

Christmas at home, coming up...