Christmas with Family

We had Daniel's family here for Christmas. It was a sweet time. Mom and Dad came on the Wednesday before the week of Christmas. It was great to have them arrive early. They were able to see Daniel's school campus, cuddle with Violet, and attend church on Sunday morning with us.



Monday afternoon Everett and Meghan arrived with the boys. We spent Tuesday mostly around the house, but Daniel and Ev went on a few mountain bike trails.

Wednesday we explored the aquarium and Cannery Row. Everett, Meghan and Daniel biked to the aquarium and we joined them with the vehicles. It was a gorgeous day, as you can see.

Thursday evening we attended the Christmas Eve service at church together and came home to finish preparing for Christmas morning.



Christmas morning started with light sabers in the stockings. They were obviously a hit.


Meli loved the aftermath of the stockings. She delights in finding crinkly tissue paper to sit on and rest.

The gift-giving began and Braden and Trevor's big gifts were progressive. Many of their gifts were theme focused on creating the best little Indian outfit and cowboy outfit.

Braden opened a headdress and tomahawk and slowly opened the other accessories. Meghan made his cute outfit and ordered his tomahawk, arrows and quiver. It was a great costume!


Trevor opened his boots first, then the toy pistols, and then the fantastic leather chaps and vest. He looked ready for a round-up.




Daniel and Everett were given a Magnetic Chore Board to use for their kids. It was a board similar to one they had used when they were children.

This picture seems to capture their memory of the board as well as their surprise in seeing one for their own families. Great idea Mom!



Vi received an abundance of adorable gifts. She is dressed in precious clothing well into the new year and my Momma even made her this sweet sleep sac that is extra cozy with a little matching hat. Mom and Dad gave her a great bag filled all kinds of vintage toys. We look forward to playing with Raggedy Ann and Andy.

Christmas evening we decided to have a fire on the beach in Carmel. It turned out to be a perfect night, not too breezy, not too chilly. We all enjoyed leftover turkey, ham and rolls from earlier meals. It was a great time closing out a wonderful day.

The last few days of the visit went quickly and we enjoyed every minute of our time together.

I just wanted to post one quick picture of how Violet spent most of her holiday. She was cuddled, loved on, and squeezed. I am pretty sure she delighted in it.

I will write more later but her evening feeding time has come.


Happy New Year!