Christmas, Family, and the New Year

It's certainly been a while since I've posted. Our laptop is not being cooperative lately. It's been pretty busy with the holidays around here.

On December 22nd, my Uncle was in a serious car accident. He scared us pretty bad, but he's on the mend now, doing rehab at a nursing home, which we jab him about often. Max Rup worries about him, often reminding us randomly that Uncle Mike has booboos in a sad little voice.

On Christmas Eve we gather at my folks house. This year was more quiet than usual. Uncle Dennis, Aunt Nancy, Corey, Carrie and their crews all spent the holiday in DisneyWorld! Uncle Mike's family obviously spent that day with him at the hospital. And this was my sister's first Christmas away from home. We enjoyed the company that was there, but Meagan, Mom and I kept saying, "this just isn't the same." So no more vacations or accidents at Christmas time!

We did have a lovely surprise that evening. We heard bells ringing, and couldn't figure out where they were coming from. We looked outside to see part of our extended family all decked out and Carolling!! My parents live on a dead end road, and these folks live two houses down. Carol, Louise, Jeannie, Albert, John and his family were adorable, and it was very touching.

Christmas morning was just the five of us at home. Myles was very into Santa Clause this year, and was so happy that he came! We enjoyed a quiet morning enjoying the new toys and then got dressed in our new clothes. Auriana was upset with Santa. Can you believe that he only put one thing in Austin's stocking! Why would he put lots of stuff in Auri's and only one in Austin's? Austin was a good boy - why would Santa be so unfair? She's so funny.

The Finley Christmas was as entertaining as ever with a Yankee Swap as the main event. It's always good to get that whole gang together!

A few days after Christmas, we were all able to gather at Dan's folks. We only got to see Uncle John for a few minutes, but Cameron got to stay, and we always love spending time with Uncle Paul, Aunt Missy, Peter, and Olivia. We still wish they lived closer. The kids get along so well with each other. We enjoyed snowball fights, fort building, and of course some hot cocoa once inside.

Every season we feel so lucky to be part of amazing, loving families. We thank God for a reason to celebrate the love that we get to experience every day.
And, of course, here's some pics of the week.

"Kissing Cousins"

Auri thanking Maddie for her India doll

Snowball fights at Grammy and Grampy's

The older kids enjoying "kerplunk"

Max Rup's new blankie from Louise. He LOVES it!

Max Rup and Papa Winnie visiting Uncle Mike. These two adore each other.

The guitar was a huge hit. Maddie is becoming quite musical.

Max Rup and Daddy. I love this pic.

Three amazing male role models for my children.

The 5 grandkids: Max Rup, Auriana, Austin, Madeline, Myles