Christmas came and went faster than ever this year. We just got home from our trip to see family and friends in Arizona and are pretty dazed. If that’s a word. We’re pooped. Between the holiday shopping and travel and work schedules, we did our best to do a few things to keep the spirit of Christmas glowing in our hearts. I didn’t do half as much as I wanted to, like watch Hook, finish
David Sedaris’ Holidays on Ice, make Jace’s first year ornament, decorate a Gingerbread house out of berries, etc., etc. My Christmas cards were rushed {but fairly clever!} — my gifts were last minute {literally day-of sometimes} — my flight was almost missed — my luggage delayed — my hair a mess. It was a scrambling, rushed holiday. I obviously over did it. And to my dismay, I caught a nasty stomach virus over the holiday, and then gave it to everyone around me, including little Jace. On the bright side, we were spoiled with love from our family and friends and that alone made up for all the hustle and bustle and sicknesses and stress. It’s really the best time of the year and there is so much to celebrate – the birth of Jesus, the Christ and the promise of grace and hope forever more. So, what am I complaining about, right? Right. Here are the fews things we DID do to celebrate here in Cali and in Arizona:
One of our little Christmas outings was to the lighted boat parade in Santa Cruz at the harbor with some good friends. It was so much fun. Love the smell of that ocean!
We had some friends and family pass through. Surprise visitors are the best. Jace loves Krista & Gus! ;)
Rob enjoyed his seasonal beers ;)
And little boy had his first ear infection early in December and did a lot of face-down, butt in the air motions. I think it helped his head.
Holiday work part-ay!! Full of food, sushi, games and the money tree!
My Dad and Jace waiting with me at the Phoenix airport for my luggage that didn’t make it on my flight. 3 hours later :( Thank God for Starbucks.
Oregano’s to the rescue, after a long travel day.
My little reindeer xoxo…
Christmas Eve with the Johannes. I truly love it when our families come together to eat and exchange stories and gifts. So heartwarming to see Jace among all of his Grandpas, Grandmas, Great-Grandmas, and Uncles & Aunts. And our holiday specs were so rad.
Christmas #2 in Cottonwood with Rob’s Mom, step-father and Tay & Ri. We made gingerbread houses, ate a ton of great food and strolled through Jerome before heading back to Phoenix. Such a nice visit and so comfy, too!
Biggest coffee cup ever! Thanks Tayler.
Miss Tayler made us the most thoughtful scrapbook of Jace’s first year. I can’t even imagine how many hours she must have spent on it. It’s beautiful. In it is this quote about family and it couldn’t be more perfect:
“Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future” – Gail Lumet Buckley
Thanks, Tayler. we love you so much.
This year we hit up our local Lowe’s for a real “noble” tree this year. A little different than our annual trip to the Christmas Tree Farm back in Cali, but still pretty exciting for Jace face. However, he was more interested in putting ornaments in the base of the tree than ON the actual tree, so that’s what I captured from our little Christmas Tree decorating party. He also gets excited about turning on and off the lights. I can’t believe Christmas is just a week away! Still so much to do ..! Hope your trees are as aglow as ours!
It’s finally the holiday season!!! And we couldn’t be more ready!!!! It’s pretty freezing around these parts, even for Arizona. I guess I didn’t remember it ever getting THIS cold before. But nonetheless, we’re embracing it. I thought we’d do something extra special this year to get us in the holiday spirit, and pick up the “12 dates of Christmas” .. but this time include little Jace face. He’s sort of the love of our life so why not include him in our festive date nights?! Our first “date” was putting on (metallic!) temporary tattoos. However, Jace refers to them as “daddoos”. I don’t think he’s conquered his t’s yet, so we’re enjoying how cute he sounds when he tries to say tattoo. Since we’ve applied it, it’s all he can talk about. He shows everyone, including the strangers at the grocery store, and his friends at daycare. It’s also the first thing he says when he wakes up – “DADDOOO”!!!
