Time with Joan, Scott, and Erica

From L to R: Titus, Asher, James, Jadon, Olivia, Amanda, Erica, Mia, Elizabeth, and Jane

The Wednesday after Christmas we loaded up two cars full of kids and headed to Fort Wayne. We were planning the day prior, but we finally had gotten all the snow we wished for at Christmas and so for safety we decided to wait one day. My Aunt Joan and her husband Scott have a new home down in FW and my cousin Erica had flown in the for the holidays from Portland, Oregon. Growing up, we spent almost every Christmas with Joan and Erica, so I look forward to seeing them at this time of year. Erica and I grew up almost like sisters, being less than three weeks apart and our mothers twin sisters. Now that she's in Oregon, it's rare I get to see her. Scott was also there when we went to visit, and he is a true kid at heart, which made my girls and Elizabeth's kids pleased. Scott has a large model train collection that he set up and ran for all the kids to see.

Erica and Joan, holding the two littlest as they watch the trains go around.

The elaborate set up. You really need to see it in person, the photo doesn't do it justice. To be honest, I loved it almost as much as the kids too. My first job I ever wanted to do was be a train engineer and wear the cute had. I also always wanted a high shelf in my room that a train could drive around.

Everyone watching with excitement.

Mia tends to try and be funny in most pictures these days, so Erica joined in on the fun. I couldn't help but post this one. Sorry Erica.

Erica holding Jane. This is a huge step, since Erica grew up an only child and isn't around kids much. She cracks my sister and me up because she's always so nervous around all the kids. She thinks they're going to break.

We had a great time catching up with all of them. Thanks for having us Joan and Scott!

Christmas with the Families

All the cousins on the McNeil side all together Christmas morning. If you look up on the tree you can even see a picture of Taylor on the tree.

I had photos of all my sister and Jared's kids taken for a Christmas gift by my wonderful photographer friend Lauren Sterling. Let me know if you're ever in need of a great photographer and I'll hook you up.

Mia's new John Deere dump truck towers over all her now seemingly small tractors from Santa.

Every year, after opening our gifts at home we bundle up and head out, usually still very early, and go to my dad and Patty's to spend Christmas morning with them and my sister's family. I am so thankful that we can all live so close to keep up traditions that I've done since I was a small babe. My dad even still makes the same breakfast every year, which we title "Christmas breakfast." It's a time of opening gifts, cousins playing, and taking in the smiles upon everyone's faces as they fill with joy on this wonderous day.

Olivia giving Grandma Patty hugs for all her goodies.

After eating way too much for breakfast, we load up all our new found goodies into our car and take them all home, to then turn around and head to Andy's side of the family at John and Esther's. His sister Jennifer is there every year, and we were blessed to have Aaron and Christy, along with Grandma Bailey with us too this year. Again, it is truly a blessing that we can have all our family close at the holidays. I know so many families that have to choose which family to see at Christmas, and it has always worked out for us since Andy and I were dating. In a few years my dad and Patty plan to move up to Alpena, so we will probably be faced with that decision at that time, but for now, I will enjoy this blessing.

Mia posing with her cheesy smile and new boots from Aunt Jen!

Olivia with Aunt Jen opening gifts.

Aunt Christy, Olivia, and Uncle Aaron

We are so thankful they were able to be with us this year. They really catered to Olivia's mad scientist tendencies this year, getting her lots of science related items like a perfumery (which hasn't turned out to be near as bad as I thought it would smell) and a telescope.

All the Feyes together. From L to R Aaron, Esther, Christy, Grandma Bailey, Amanda, Olivia, Jennifer, Mia, John, and Andy

We had a glorious day to celebrate Christ's birth and were able to do so with all our family. We couldn't ask for more. Mounds of gifts, decadent food, lifelong memories made, truly a day to rejoice.

Santa Came!

Yes, Olivia, there is a Santa Clause!

Olivia woke earlier than I had anticipated. I am still like a child and have a difficult time sleeping on Christmas Eve, so I was hoping for a little sleeping in time. We were up and tearing into presents at about 6:15.

Mia scored it big with four tractors from Santa. One even lights up and makes noise. Santa is welcome to take that one back whenever he'd like.

Olivia was thrilled that Santa honored her request for a Fancy Nancy Doll.

Mia was very thankful and particularly loving Christmas morning. Some days she is and others days she's a pistol. We're glad she felt the love on Christmas and shared it with us.

Santa also brought Olivia lots of art supplies and the DVD for the 4th Pirates of the Carribbean.

It was a terrific Christmas morning at our house and we hope the same for everyone else.

Christmas Eve

Both Olivia and Mia were sheep in this year's Christmas pageant at Holy Angels Church.

Mia's costume only lasted part way through the service, but overall I was impressed she did as well as she did.

Olivia always entertaining!

We went to Dad and Patty's after church to have Christmas Eve dinner, which has become the tradition. The girls enjoyed dancing and singing in their pretty dresses one last time while dinner was being prepared.

Grandma Patty, Mia, Olivia, and Grandpa

A family photo for Christmas