Christmas with Family

Every year we are so blessed to have Christmas with family. It truly amazes me that we can do this because when I was growing up we only had Christmas with our little family because we lived so far away from extended family. I'm so happy that my children get to grow up with so much family around them.

This year we were doubly blessed because we got to see family from both sides. My Grandma, Auntie, and Uncle from Maui got to visit us before and after Christmas.

Cousins (Keely and Ryen), Auntie Merle, and Grandma with Emi. Emi was in heaven being able to play with Keely and Ryen.


Emi resting with Keely at Bounce Jungle in Gilbert.


Brenden with my Uncle Alvin aka Grandpa. Brenden doesn't go to many people, but because my Uncle looks like my Dad, he would go to him and play with him.



Then later that evening we went to the Rainforest Cafe for dinner as a family and we were all so happy, UNTIL everyone got the flu!
(Rare picture of Brenden actually smiling at the Rainforest Cafe.)


We were planning on being with the Whetten's the next day, but everyone was too sick, so we went to see them on Christmas day. As a result, we were able to open our presents on Christmas Eve with our family. All I can say is that Christmas is not really all that fun when you are sick. I feel like I was the worst mom and just let everything slide. I'll try harder next time and the key is to not procrastinate. I procrastinated BIG time.
Here's our little model posing with all her presents.


Then we traveled on over to see Blaine's side of the family. We were able to spend Christmas at their ranch. It was a lot of fun being able to see and hang out with everyone.
Brenden was able to hang out with his cousin, Kase. They are two weeks apart and they loved being able to play with each other. I think they thought it was cool to have someone that acted and had the same interest as them. I wish we were closer, so that they could play more often.... :(


Cousins: Emi, Charly, and Cash
Emi had so much fun playing with her cousins. I love that they play all day and I don't really have to watch her. I'm also am so amazed at how nice they are to each other because they never fight. It's the greatest!


Highlights from this trip:
-Emi got to ride a horse all by herself! Wish I was there to take pictures, but I think Dad got one on his phone.
-Got to shoot guns. I'm not much of a gun shooter, but hey... we did it.
-Ate a lot of good food. Can't go wrong with eating good food, probably gained 10 lbs for it.
-Spent time together with the family. We all live in the same state and are fairly close, but rarely get together that often because of busy schedules.

Overall, it was a great Christmas and even though we were sick for Christmas, we are so blessed to be able to spend it with family. Thank you to everyone!