Our drive down to Sierra Vista, Arizona we had the chance to meet up with my brother Derek and his family in Las Cruses, New Mexico. We stayed at the same hotel and the kids had the chance to go swimming that night after a looong drive and the rest of the night for all of us to relax and enjoy each other. We didn't even plan on meeting with family along the way it just worked out that way, and we were ALL glad!
During the early, early hours of the morning my sister-in-law Lina got really sick. My brother had to take her to the ER. We were so glad we were able to be there for them and to he
lp out. Throughout the morning we would get reports from my brother on how Lina was doing. As we waited, the kids and Derek and I enjoyed the complimentary hot breakfast and the hotel's famous cinnamon rolls. Then we went back to our rooms and had a big pillow fight. Our nephews, Phil (10 yrs.) and Sam (7 yrs.) were no match to their older brother so I thought I would jump in. Max (15 yrs.) was impressed with some of his Aunt Angie's moves. Our pillow fight seemed to last for quite awhile. It was so much fun! Even Cassidy tried to help her mommy with trying to take her cousins down with a pillow the same size as her. It was funny. (breakfast picture)
Lina was able to be discharged from the hospital around noon and she felt much better. She was definitely a trooper! We packed the cars and were on our way to Grandpa and Grandma's house (6 more hours to go). It was nice to caravan together. Here's a picture of my brother Derek, and Lina making Moose antlers.
During the early, early hours of the morning my sister-in-law Lina got really sick. My brother had to take her to the ER. We were so glad we were able to be there for them and to he
lp out. Throughout the morning we would get reports from my brother on how Lina was doing. As we waited, the kids and Derek and I enjoyed the complimentary hot breakfast and the hotel's famous cinnamon rolls. Then we went back to our rooms and had a big pillow fight. Our nephews, Phil (10 yrs.) and Sam (7 yrs.) were no match to their older brother so I thought I would jump in. Max (15 yrs.) was impressed with some of his Aunt Angie's moves. Our pillow fight seemed to last for quite awhile. It was so much fun! Even Cassidy tried to help her mommy with trying to take her cousins down with a pillow the same size as her. It was funny. (breakfast picture)Lina was able to be discharged from the hospital around noon and she felt much better. She was definitely a trooper! We packed the cars and were on our way to Grandpa and Grandma's house (6 more hours to go). It was nice to caravan together. Here's a picture of my brother Derek, and Lina making Moose antlers.
We got to my parents house that evening, Christmas Eve. It was a BIG HUG welcoming!
The next morning it seemed like everyone was waiting on our family to open presents. We didn't get out of bed until 8am and everyone was so nice to let us sleep in even though they were up since 6am. We all gathered around the Christmas tree. My sister Jess and her family, and brother Dave and Brianna were able to join us on Christmas Day too.
We started our Christmas morning with a Christmas message given by Grandpa (my dad) and then each took a turn to share what we're grateful for. Let's just say we were passing around the tissue box. Then it was time to each take a turn opening gifts. Sam was our Santa helper this year and would make sure everyone had a gift to open. We take our time in opening gifts and enjoy watching one person at a time. So we can all share the excitement. Cassidy's cousins unanimously agreed Cassidy went first since she was a girl, and the only girl cousin. It was cute.
The 1st gift Cassidy opened was the book Derek and I had collected pictures for of all of our family members and designed them in a book for Cassidy. She loves to look at pictures of all of her cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. She enjoys learning all of their names and remembers them well.
It was wonderful to sit back and soak in the "giving" of gifts. We were blessed with other wonderful gifts. Thanks family!
After the sharing of gifts we had a delicious hot breakfast. And just spent the rest of the day playing and talking.
