It really is hard to believe that another holiday season has come and gone. Audrey and I returned to my home town of Jackson, Missouri, just before Thanksgiving. We stayed with my parents until just after the new year, and we loved getting to spend so much time with my family. Thanksgiving was a quiet affair compared to most years. My parents, my Nana and Granddad (my dad's parents), Stuart (my youngest brother) and his wife, Courtney, and Audrey and I ate a feast fit for kings (thanks, mom). Audrey almost tried some turkey, but she changed her mind and had some ham instead.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we were busy spending time with some of my friends. I spent one weekend in St. Louis with one of my best friends and my college roommates, Rebecca. Becky drove in from Chicago and we spent an entire evening catching up. The next day, we met Stuart, Courtney, and Lara (Spencer's wife), at the Magic House (children's museum) in St. Louis. Audrey absolutely loved the experience, but I must say that the adults has as much, if not more, fun than she did! I also got to see my friends Rachel and Krissy before Christmas.
As Christmas drew near, Audrey grew more and more excited about Santa Claus and the presents he would bring. In fact, each day, she woke up and said, "My presents be here!" It is hard to explain to a two year old that we still had to wait another week. She also loved the Christmas tree and Christmas lights. Her excitement was contagious, and my entire family looked forward to her reaction on Christmas morning. I just hated it that Matt is so far away and couldn't be here with us to enjoy it all as well.
When we finally opened our presents (delayed until the 26th so that all of us could be together), Audrey was ecstatic. She helped hand out gifts, helped open gifts, and played with her toys. It was a whirlwind morning for her. Matt managed to skype us early in the afternoon and we enjoyed seeing his face and talking to him. I only wish he were here with us! That afternoon, my Nana and Granddad came over again, along with my dad's sisters and their families. We added five more adults and four young adults to our numbers and had a fantastic Christmas dinner.
Lara and I both have birthdays during the Christmas season (hers is on the 24th, mine on the 28th), so we celebrated as a family on the 28th. Pizza and ice cream cake for all! Audrey continued to soak up each moment with her aunts and uncles. Whenever she woke up from sleeping, she would say, "Let's go find my aunts and uncles!" They even taught her how to box on the Wii! I am truly blessed to have such an amazing family who love me and my daughter so much. Their company and encouragement made my holiday season away from Matt bearable!
Garrett and Megan had to fly back to California on New Year's Eve. My parents watched Audrey on New Year's Eve while Spencer, Lara, Stuart, Courtney, and I spent an evening out in Cape. The next day, the rest of the crew headed back to their homes. I was sad to see every one go their separate ways, but I hope that we'll all be together again soon - with Matt the next time! I still can't believe it's 2009...
As Christmas drew near, Audrey grew more and more excited about Santa Claus and the presents he would bring. In fact, each day, she woke up and said, "My presents be here!" It is hard to explain to a two year old that we still had to wait another week. She also loved the Christmas tree and Christmas lights. Her excitement was contagious, and my entire family looked forward to her reaction on Christmas morning. I just hated it that Matt is so far away and couldn't be here with us to enjoy it all as well. With the exception of Matt, my entire family made it in for Christmas. Stuart and Courtney drove down from St. Louis. Spencer had a two week break from his Army Officer Candidate School, so he and Lara drove up on Christmas day. Garrett and his wife, Megan, drove down from Dayton, Ohio, where they'd enjoyed some quality time with Meg's family. By the time every one arrived, there were nine adults, one toddler, and four dogs in my parents' home! It was awesome!
When we finally opened our presents (delayed until the 26th so that all of us could be together), Audrey was ecstatic. She helped hand out gifts, helped open gifts, and played with her toys. It was a whirlwind morning for her. Matt managed to skype us early in the afternoon and we enjoyed seeing his face and talking to him. I only wish he were here with us! That afternoon, my Nana and Granddad came over again, along with my dad's sisters and their families. We added five more adults and four young adults to our numbers and had a fantastic Christmas dinner. On December 27th, my mom's family drove down to visit my Grandma and Grandpa. My grandparents are 82 and 86, respectively, and both living at Saxony Village. My uncle and cousin played guitars and we sang for my grandparents, who love bluegrass and gospel music. It was a memorable moment, surrounded by my family, thinking back on Christmas's past and thankful for the day we were sharing together. After our visit with our grandparents, every one returned to my parents' house for a BBQ dinner. In addition to my immediate family, we added ten more adults and eight kids under the age of 8! It really was another amazing day.
Lara and I both have birthdays during the Christmas season (hers is on the 24th, mine on the 28th), so we celebrated as a family on the 28th. Pizza and ice cream cake for all! Audrey continued to soak up each moment with her aunts and uncles. Whenever she woke up from sleeping, she would say, "Let's go find my aunts and uncles!" They even taught her how to box on the Wii! I am truly blessed to have such an amazing family who love me and my daughter so much. Their company and encouragement made my holiday season away from Matt bearable!
Garrett and Megan had to fly back to California on New Year's Eve. My parents watched Audrey on New Year's Eve while Spencer, Lara, Stuart, Courtney, and I spent an evening out in Cape. The next day, the rest of the crew headed back to their homes. I was sad to see every one go their separate ways, but I hope that we'll all be together again soon - with Matt the next time! I still can't believe it's 2009...
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