This was certainly true for us as we thoroughly enjoyed this holiday season ~ our first living in WA since we were married.  What a great feeling to not have to get on a plane to see our family!!!  Turned out to be such a blessing this year as well given the snow storms that hit WA beginning the Thursday before Christmas.  Once it started snowing, it just didn't stop.  We got probably a foot and a half of snow where we live and they do not plow or treat the roads out here, which meant we were stuck for the most part.  Even G was forced to work from home for two days because there was no navigating out of our neighborhood.  Unfortunately for many, the airport was pretty much shut down and very few flights were getting in and out.  Many people were forced to spend the holiday at the airport because the hotels were all booked.  We were so thankful that we were all home already before the snow hit.  I flew in that Wednesday night from Boston and thank goodness, because if I had gotten a later flight (which I tried to do!) I would not have made it home before December 26th!!!  YIKES!  It is so scary to think about

 

We had an amazing time getting ready for and enjoying the holidays.  The biggest excitement and joy for us was waking up in our own home on Christmas Day.  Since were moved to MA the day after we were married and flew to WA every year for the holidays, we never actually spent Christmas in our own home.  How exciting it was to wake up in our own bed and head downstairs with our little Alli to see what Santa left for us . . . Alli was so much fun this year and really got into opening all of the presents.  In fact, in the days leading up to Christmas, she would pick up packages and beg "open, peas (her version of please), open"  Too cute!  Can't wait to see her on her birthday in a couple of months

 

We hope that all of you had a safe and wonderful holiday season as well.  Let's pray that 2009 is good to all . . .

We have been enjoying the holidays here in WA with our family and friends.  This was our first year celebrating Thanksgiving in WA since 1999 and we convinced the family to let us host.  What a great day we had.  My entire family (minus Jenee, my wonderful sister-in-law who had to work ~ nurses don't always get to take a holiday break!) and G's brother Zach were here for a turkey dinner.  We had a great time and the food wasn't too bad, not as good as my mom's cooking but still respectable :)  G's parents joined us all for dessert and Adele was a huge help with the dishes, she even had Alli helping her!  The guys played cards after dinner.  All in all, I would say our first Thanksgiving in WA as a family was a huge success!

 

That weekend, we went and picked out our tree at the family tree farm, owned by G's grandpa and now run mostly by Uncle Greg (www.stockstreefarm.com).  Alli loves playing in the trees and especially loves the candy canes!  With the tree up, the lights on the house, and presents under the tree, we are ready for Christmas.  Remarkably, Alli pretty much leaves the tree alone other than to point at the "baby" ornaments that we conveniently placed higher than she can reach

 

This past week, my friend Cori and her son Cohen, who's 1 week older than Alli, came for a quick visit.  We had a wonderful visiting and the kiddos had a blast playing together.  The are the same age, size and development, which made for a lot of fun for everyone!  Cohen is a little daredevil and Alli a fraidy cat so it was very entertaining.  We have singing/dancing snowmen that Alli loves but was afraid to touch, fortunately, Cohen would do it for her ~ such a little gentleman!  Alli was sad to see him go, as was I.  We love you guys and hope to see you again soon!!!

 

This weekend was full of holiday fun as we enjoyed the Port Orchard festival of lights and chimes, went to a Santa breakfast this morning and a holiday party this afternoon.  Alli wasn't too sure of Santa but loved all of the activity and is actually very good at decorating cookies.  We all had fun, although I wasn't feeling too great this weekend.  I got the flu shot this year but I'm thinking it may not have worked.  Hopefully, I start feeling better very soon as being run down with a toddler is a tough situation!

 

We will try to post some pictures from the past couple of weeks soon!