What a wonderful Christmas season we had this year!
The fun started with Cookie Day hosted by Sunni. We made lots of yummy cookies, ate lots of yummy food, shared many laughs, all while the kids played.
On December 13th, we had the Carrell Family Christmas at Aunt Kathy's. It is always nice to spend time with my Aunts & Uncles from that side because we do not do it often. Luckily, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Fred are nice to host Grandma Martha's birthday every year so it is another oppurtunity to see each other and Grandma Martha & Bob of course.
On December 19th, we had my Mom, Gary, Sisters and Families over at our house to celebrate Christmas. I was very nervous having to cook for them, I cook for my family every night but they have no choice but to like it! :) The night was very relaxed, food was great and the kids have a great time. I love being part of a big family!
On Christmas Eve, we spent the evening at Aunt Gay's house. She and Uncle Paul make WONDERFUL food, but the best is being with Grandma Joy, Aunts & Uncles and all of the cousins. This night is one of the most memorable times of my childhood and I am so thankful to have such a wonderful family that keeps those memories alive so my children will have them as well. All of the kids sat in the living room listening to the story of Christmas & singing Christmas Carols as Grandma Joy played the piano, patiently awaiting the arrival of Santa. Santa came and he was awesome, the kids look forward to seeing him every year! The only thing missing on that night was our family out in AZ & Scott in Denver, but we have hope that they will come back for Christmas real soon! (Hint Hint Jen! )
Christmas morning was an early morning in the Hemmer house. Bradley was up at 5:30am taking stock of all the gifts Santa left for him before coming into the family room by me. I was up because I do not want to miss the look on their faces when they come down the stairs and see under the tree. I had to stall him for a little bit so the rest of the family could sleep, but by 6:00am we were both ready to open so we woke them up. Emily wasn't too happy about that but once Bradley told her, "Emmy Santa came and there are like a thousand presents" she got out of bed real fast. I could watch my kids open presents all day long because they get so excited and are so amazed at how Santa could bring them what they wanted.
Sadly it is now January 1st and the holidays are over. I love Christmas time so much and get sad every year when it passes. I thank God every night for my family & friends because without them Christmas wouldn't be as wonderful as it is every year!
