Christmas and the Cabin

Christmas 2008 came and went. This year seemed so different than any other & I decided it was because it was the first year in 32 years that I didn’t spend Christmas eve / Christmas day at my parents. Anyone who knows me well knows that I do not deal with change very well (whether good or bad) I missed being at my mom’s for the traditional basket run & the Hoagie spread she puts on. But looking back through all the Christmas pictures I realized that no matter where I am at or who I am with Christmas or any other holiday is what you make of it.
Christmas eve was spent with the kids watching “Fred Clause” this movie was fun for the kids and I got a chuckle or two. We made an agreement with the kids that they couldn’t wake us before 5:45 a.m. but Sam broke that agreement & presented me with herself at 4:00 a.m. with only 3 hours of sleep at that point I was less than amused. I somehow got her to go out of the room & hang out for another hour & 45 minutes. At 5:43 a.m. all four kids stormed into our room flipped on the light & shouted “It’s Christmas get up!” So Up we were.. exhausted but up.
Somehow I managed to doze off before Santa made his appearance but might I say he did a great job & left the kids everything they hoped & dreamed for.

Here is Maeli opening her American doll “Julie” The picture may be a little blurry but her face was priceless so I had to get a picture.

Here is Kaden with his xbox 360 from Santa.. I believe he has asked for this the past 2 years & Santa finally thought he was good enough to bring it.

Savanna & her new Pink Ipod Nano.

Sam turned away every time I tried to get a picture of her but she got an MP3 player & a keyboard.
Later that day we ventured up to Justin’s parents & had Christmas dinner with them. We were scheduled to head up to Island park to spend the next few days with my family but a storm rolled in Christmas night & we weren’t able to get up there until the next morning. For some reason the only pictures I got up at my In laws was a picture of my mother in law with her “holiday hang over” the morning after.. I don’t think she would appreciate if I posted that picture though.

We spent the next three days in Island park with my family playing in the snow, snowmobiling & enjoying one another’s company.
The snow was unbelievable at the cabin

The scenery was beautiful & it looked like a winter wonderland.

My dad & Nephew catching a snooze after playing in the snow.

My brother Geoff showing us how deep the snow is. (he is over 6 feet tall)

My brothers Geoff & Jason enjoying a “soak” in the hot tub.

Jason ran from the hot tub & did a snow angel for us. Here he is in action

Maeli & Aunt Tiffany

snowball fight!!

Playing Risk

Now this is going to be good!! hahahaha!!

Eating again!!

Jason & Justin

Overall we had a wonderful Christmas & we are very blessed. I realized this Christmas on how important my family is to me, so many times we take for granted the relationships that we have in our lives. At the end of the day I know I have my mom and dad, Brother’s & Sister’s. I have my Children & my spouse. I have In laws that love me. I have my Savior, my redeemer who is the reason for this season. No present wrapped up in ribbons & bows could compare to all of that.