Merry, Merry!

This was one of the most special Christmases we have ever celebrated. We were home for the first time in two years, we saw all of our family AND we were able to spend the holiday with my brother and his family from California. So much laughter and so many wonderful memories were made!

Christmas morning at our house...

Christmas evening at Nanny & Grandpa's house...

The 26th at Ma & Ampa's house...

The 26th & 27th at Grandma & Grandpa Paca's house...

I was sad to see this holiday end. We had the best two weeks and loved being reunited with family. The New Year can't help but start off well when you're surrounded by this many wonderful people! I couldn't love them more...

Making our way to Christmas!

We are LOVING all things Christmas around here...

We finally made it to Peacock Lane. I've wanted to stroll down this street since we first moved to Portland. 

Christmas lights are ALWAYS better with a red cup :)

Santa sent a special video message...Drew was captivated! 

What would the holidays be without a Rams football game? 

Making cookies for Santa - a Christmas Eve tradition 

Very proud of the final product! 

Leaving carrots for the reindeer 

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! 

It was truly magical to be in our new house and with our family this time of year. Nothing beats being home for the holidays and to be in our own "home" was even better!

The Polar Express

We are loving all-things-Christmas around here! Yesterday morning we had hot chocolate, donuts and watched the Polar Express. Little did the boys know, we'd be boarding the Polar Express train that evening. They loaded the car in pajamas (without really asking why) and were full of excitement when we arrived and they realized what was happening.

The company did a nice job of bringing on characters from the movie and filling the ride with Christmas magic. Both boys had constant smiles...I love this time of year!

When they saw other kids with their "golden tickets," they connected that THEY too were riding the Polar Express. :) 

He just heard that the train was stopping at the North Pole! 

 

From the movie, this guy was the transient character who rode on the top of the train. He had to sit down next to Drew because the conductor was coming through and he was afraid he'd be caught. Drew was NOT amused. 

The silver bells...from Santa!  

Two days 'til Christmas!!