More Christmas Cheer

We decided to have our own family Christmas on Wednesday. Duke had been eyeing his stocking for a solid week! :) We enjoyed our 1st fire of the winter and a very non-traditional Christmas dinner. My favorite memories of the night were watching JP stare wide eyed at the fire and finally seeing Duke snuggle with his little brother.

Christmas in Chicago

We definitely experienced a white Christmas this year. The snowy skies filled each day during our stay with John's family. I have to say that I do miss the snow from my childhood, but it's nice to enjoy the snow for a few days and then leave it behind. There is something so peaceful and beautiful about the snow falling outside while you snuggle inside with family. I just love it.

We had an eventful couple of days with the Garrisons and Ritsemas. We managed to take our 1st flight as a family, experience John Parker's 1st real cold/fever, and have our brother in law George get kidney stones.

I had hoped JP would be wide eyed and happy on Christmas morning. However, I was reminded of the things that really matter. It was wonderful to have so many hands and hugs close at hand to make our little man feel better. Christy and Stephen were great at making JP smile amidst his cold. Grandma and Susan soothed and rocked little JP to sleep on many occasions. Family truly made the holidays for us this year.