Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Our Christmas was a little different this year, we didn't make it out to California, and no one made it out to us. It was a little sad, but we have family in Texas, so we spent time with them.

On the 21st we had our Christmas with the Swanson's. This year it was at their house (last year we were ALL in our house, so we didn't have much of a choice!) and Priscilla cooked a YUMMY dinner. We had ham, mashed sweet potatoes, broccoli salad, green beans and rolls. It was SO good! I made a chocolate and peppermint cake for dessert, so we were full by the time the evening was over.

We normally take a picture of all of us by the Christmas tree, and this year we forgot. We didn't remember until Ethan was already in bed, so it was too late. We'll take one on New Year's Eve, that's close enough. Ethan was very anxious to open his gifts and this year he got an extra gift from Max and Charlotte. As you will see in the slide show he got a Lightning McQueen toothbrush, and needed to use it right away...in the living room. We had a great time with the Swansons, as we always do. They truly are our family, and we are so grateful for them!

On the 23rd we headed down to Bryan, Tx to visit the Crawfords. We loaded our car with tons of food and a few gifts for Carolina and headed to the double wide. You see, right now the Crawfords are living in a double wide trailer on about 80 acres. They are staying there rent free; it's really a long story, so that will have to be enough explaning.

We had so much food, as any Christmas should, we just stuffed ourselves. We took advantage of the wonderful weather and went on a long walk through the property, and we even went to the park on Christmas Day because it was so nice. Aaron made sweet potato tamales for Christmas breakfast and smoked a brisket for lunch. It was so much fun to be able to spend time with the Crawfords and to be there for Carolina's first Christmas. I'm not sure she really knew what was going on, but she seemed to like the tissue paper in the gifts.

We had a very low key Christmas this year. There was no rushing around, no stress and we weren't even tired after the holiday came and went. We hope y'all were able to sit back, relax and celebrate our Lord this Christmas.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11