Two Christmases and a Wedding

 

 

As usual the Holidays were busy, busy, busy this year.  Having a child born in December adds to the hustle and bustle but distracts me from anything depressing.  This year Tyler had the week of Josie's birthday off work so that was not only helpful but refreshing.  We have also decided that besides pictures and some shopping we would put Christmas off until after Josie's birthday each year in an effort to keep her birthday special and unique.  It really works out and I wasn't in a rush to get the tree down and cleaned up as soon as the Turkey was carved. 

We did get holiday pictures taken again this year.  We had our family session shoot by Jami West Photography at Trinity Tree Farm.  Josie didn't want to wake up after the car ride to the location and was very serious in most of the pictures. However, I am actually glad that we caught her sassy lil attitude on film.  For Josie's birthday pictures, I redeemed a couple of free coupons for the Sears Portrait Studios and got 15 photo sheets for FREE. So although I don't have any digital images to post, we did get enough pictures to hand out to our family members. 

 

On the 16th, after lunch we drove out to Black Diamond and for the third year, returned to the Coats Family Tree Farm.  The weather never seems to cooperate in Washington.  Not only was it chilly but as soon as we arrived it started to rain.  Keeping two children focused while surrounded by big puddles is not the easiest task.  Tyler & I both knew we didn't want or need a large tree this year so we focused on finding something I could touch the top while standing on the ground.  Due to the weather, we found a great Tree, took a few pictures and headed home out of the wet ickyess. 

For our family, Christmas started on December 21st. We packed up to spend the night at Tyler's Mom's house. Laura & Mark had a packed house with his two twin 16 year old boys, us 4 and the Tyler's brother Jayson & his wife Andalyn. It was the first time we all stayed together and celebrated the holidays this way and it was really nice. Saturday morning we woke up and did a traditional Christmas morning of gift opening. We were all spoiled. Then we sat around the table and enjoyed a delicious ham breakfast. In the late afternoon Tyler & I packed up the car to head out to Oak Harbor.

 

The kids coming down stairs to see all the gifts under the tree.

Jayson is going to chiropractic school so he got a new spine for Christmas!

Above are the mugs Tyler decorated for Mark & Laura. 

 They were filled with handmade Christmas decorations made by Issac & myself.  

 

 

Another distraction for my seasonal depression this year was my cousin Laurrin's wedding.  On December 22nd, my cousin Laurrin married her high school boyfriend Chism in a small holiday themed wedding.  Everything was beautiful.  I don't usually see my extended family in December and it was a nice change to see everyone all together and dressed up in their personal best.  The wedding was at Rocky Point on Whidbey Island in a rustic building on the beach.  Her sister, Erin's son Jackson was the ring bearer and Josie was the flower girl.

 

 

On Christmas Eve, my Mom came down to spend the night.  We made cookies to leave out for Santa.  After the kids went to bed, my Mom & I brought out all the gifts.  In the morning the kids opened all their gifts.  Santa brought Issac a train and Josie a bike.  We got the kids a table & chairs that Tyler painted for them. After breakfast, we were joined by my Uncle Philip, Aunt Nicole & Uncle Warren.  As usual our children made out, getting bunches of new clothes and toys. 

 

 

 

As usual, our holiday season was busy.  I am truly enjoying the traditions Tyler & i are starting with the kids.  We plan to continue our Elf on the Shelf and cutting down our Christmas tree each year.  Hopefully as the kids age we can also enjoy other fun activities such as the parade downtown Seattle or the Zoo Lights.  This year, we kept it simple and it was perfect.  I hope each & everyone of you had a great holiday season as well.  After all, another Christmas is only 10 months away. ;-)