Christmas -- Part 1 . . . The Family

For Christmas this year (as I mentioned before) my entire family (with the obvious exception of my sweet brother Darin and his family who are currently doing the Lord's work in Uganda, Africa) came to our house this year for Christmas celebrating. My mom, dad, and grandma flew in from the other side of the country and my sister and her family drove down from Delaware. Long trips for everyone AND not a lot of extra space in our little home, but the time together was beautiful! Here is our first dinner together as a family for the Christmas holidays.

Papa eating with cousins Daniel and Ben

Ella took to her cousins IMMEDIATELY and the feeling was mutual. Daniel and Ella were especially attached to one another right away. They always sat together and played and gave many, many hugs during the visit.

what is cuter than cousin socks?

LOVE THESE KIDS!

Daniel and Ella dancing to Christmas music

One of our Christmas traditions is singing songs with Papa and his guitar or ukulele before bed every night.

Cuddling with some cuties (please excuse my slouchy belly hanging out in a few of the following pictures . . . . and how big the camera makes me look :))

Nana and Daniel cuddle time

Nana reading to all the grand kids

Ella was introduced to the infamous Leapsters

A perfect first day as a family for Christmas holidays!