Deck the halls...

with toys and clothes! Levi's first Christmas has come and gone and I think it's safe to say that he was nice this year. Santa had nothing on him...and boy did he shower him with gifts...Santa, mom, dad, aunts, uncles, and grandparents that is. Here are the highlights of our Christmases this year.

Our first Christmas was with my dad and his kids. Six kids, 2 spouses, and 1 girlfriend. That makes 9 kids total for my dad and step mom! We all went to my sister Melissa's for dinner. Loaded down with two desserts and tons of gifts, we traveled across town to begin our Christmas adventure!


We spent Christmas eve with my Dad, Debbie, Nathaniel, Haley, Melissa, Nathan, and Corban at our friend Dan and Michelle's new condo in Seattle. We have a Christmas Eve tradition when we eat paella, which is an amazing Spanish dish. We ate good food and spent time with great people, always leaving with Michelle's homemade chocolate and nuts.

Levi was afraid of my brother Nathaniel. Every time he tried to touch Levi, Levi would pull his hand away. Levi just kept staring at Nathaniel from across the room...it was actually really weird. By the end of the trip, Levi started to warm up to him but then Nathaniel put a bow on Levi's shirt and Levi burst into tears. Oh well Nathaniel...maybe next time!

Christmas morning was just daddy, mommy, and Levi. We had so much fun opening gifts, playing, putting together toys, and playing with the empty boxes and paper. His favorite gift was a rocking horse from Meema. The first time we put his on it, he started bouncing. He didn't need any help.

Christmas day was spent at Grandma Lynda and Papa Reggie's house with Melissa, Nathan, and Corban. After Christmas dinner, the presents continued. The hit being the trains from Grandma and Papa Reggie. They can be used as a walker or you can ride it. Plus, there is music, games, and blocks.

Our last Christmas was the Monday after Christmas with the Rodenbecks (our family friends). They have four kids, including their newest addition, a 2 year old girl from Ethiopia. I have to say, this was our crazies Christmas yet. Six kids + lots of presents = craziness!

So that was our Five Christmases...not quite as exciting as the movie but we enjoyed it. We are so blessed to have so many people who love us. Thank you to all of our family and friends and we hope your holidays were a blessing and the next year brings joy and blessings you could not imagine.