Our Christmas

Paige finished up dancing in the Nutcracker on the 21st, so we had a few days of relaxation prior to Christmas. On Christmas eve we went over to some of our friend's house. The kids played and got lots of energy out, the women snacked on appetizers and drank a little wine, and the men...well, they just tolerated us all : )

Olivia, Paige and Caroline on Christmas eve

Christmas morning was SO nice...honestly, probably one of THE most relaxing we have ever had. I dreaded Christmas, as I thought I would be so sad, but surprisingly enough I was at peace. I knew that the day was about celebrating all of our blessings and I have so many that I cannot even begin to count them all. Paige received an abundant amount of toys from Santa...she must have been an especially good girl this year : ) Pictured below is Paige with her two American Girl dolls. She received a doctor's kit for them and has been playing hospital tons. We also have been rockin' out to Rock Band for the Wii and have been playing a lot of Mariokart!

On Christmas night, my brother's girlfriend and my mom came up with a big surprise for my brother. My brother is an E.X.A. with Walgreens and they always have to work either Christmas eve or Christmas day. Greg had to work on Christmas day. He was SO bummed. We drove out to his place and met his girlfriend. We all parked our cars where he couldn't see them. We decorated his apartment with some festive lights and stockings (he lives with a fraternity brother...two guys equal no decorations : ), we cooked him dinner and when he walked in yelled, "Surprise". The look on his face was priceless. Prior to him coming in the door, he had text messaged me (while driving...I don't advise this), that he was so sad that he couldn't be with us on Christmas. It was really a great night...very small and intimate and I think it was just perfect. Here we are on Christmas night.

This is a picture of Greg, Laurie and Paige. Aren't Greg and Laurie precious? They have been dating for two years now and we are just crazy about her. Paige just adores her.

I haven't really felt much like blogging, as I have been having so much fun hanging out with my family. I never realized how much I enjoy hanging out and living in the moment. I always have that darn camera attached at my hip and I feel like sometimes I live my life while looking through a lens. While I adore taking pics and have no intentions of stopping, I do intend to live life more fully and in the moment. We'll see how long that resolution lasts : ) What do you guys give me, say...a week ??? : )