To start, I am so blessed to have had the Christmas we did. Several months ago when I realized that I wouldn't be able to go home for the holidays, I began to worry and stress over how I would handle it. I absolutely love being home for Christmas and all that it includes. The family, food, decorations, gift exchanges, errands, delivering Christmas baskets for the Adopt-a-Families. All of it. And for the first time in my life I wouldn't be there for it. I did go in early December, but it didn't feel like the holidays at all. And then with everything happening with my dear uncle Gary, it really wasn't a festive atmosphere at all. Needless to say, I had a lot of apprehension about the holidays this year. The stress and grief really got to me at times. But over all, I was able to find something to smile about. And staying super busy has always helped me handle my emotions as well. Gary's service was on Thursday. It was a struggle to be so far from my loved ones, but I know that I was there for the hours that really counted. I wouldn't trade the hours I got talk to him for anything else. Saturday was Christmas Eve. We went to our church's service and then headed over to Matt and Sarah's for dessert and puzzles. It was a good time and definitely a distraction that I needed very much. Before we left the house, Aaron had me open a present. I love it SO much. And it is "me" perfectly.
Sunday morning, we tried to sleep in, but our animals decided that it was a good morning for chasing each other. So, unfortunately we were up by 8 am....and we don't even have little ones, excited to see if Santa came!! We took our time, making breakfast, letting the dog and cat play with new toys, and opening the giant amount of gifts we received ourselves! We are so loved and blessed! 
Do you notice a theme with Aaron's and my gifts??
Christmas night, we went over to my co-worker's house with her husband and parents and another friend. It was a good time, with homemade German food (I don't remember what it's called! First time I'd had it, but very good) and lots of sharing family stories. Overall, a good day.
Being the type of people that we are, we of course took the "family holiday pictures." However, it gets very interesting considering half of our "family" are the furry, tailed kind! Take a peek at some of the entertaining ones! Thank goodness for tripods and continuous pictures :-)
And for the last, wonderful picture....I'm thinking Christmas card next year!!!!
Sunday morning, we tried to sleep in, but our animals decided that it was a good morning for chasing each other. So, unfortunately we were up by 8 am....and we don't even have little ones, excited to see if Santa came!! We took our time, making breakfast, letting the dog and cat play with new toys, and opening the giant amount of gifts we received ourselves! We are so loved and blessed! 
