Memories to Last a Lifetime

This Christmas most definitely was one for the books. With the passing of Danny's paternal grandfather this past year, the Christmas Eve tradition that has carried on for decades unfortunately was met with change. However, fortunately for us we were given the honor of hosting the Flores Christmas Eve at our home. Though Danny and I sincerely missed our annual tradition of visiting the Hekman's on Christmas Eve, we were blessed beyond words at our extended family gathering here.

We ate homemade tamales, Flores beans and arroz fabuloso. We ate taquitos and guacamole. We ate Strudel, Homemade Cookies and Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake. We ate until we could not eat anymore. Christian had a blast with everyone, and Danny's Tia enjoyed holding Jonathan much of the night. At one point I stood still, watching everyone talking, laughing and loving each other, and simply savored the sweetness of the moment.

When I put Christian to bed, we read our last advent story, the night before Christmas, and sang "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". (I was surprised by the fact that Christian knew ALL the words to that song...it was precious singing with him!) After the last party-goer left, Danny cleaned up while I tended to Jonathan - feeding him and getting him to bed. At about 1am I started to assemble a wagon my parents bought for the boys. After making several ridiculous mistakes, Danny (aka - superhero daddy) sent me to bed so that he could finish the wagon. Let's just say it was a BEAST to put together. He got to bed close to 4am and Christian awoke at 5am (welcome to parenthood at Christmas!). We ended up starting our day at 7 (a more reasonable time!).

Christian surprised me by knowing all the words to several Christmas songs, though his favorite part of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" are at the end. (He usually shouts them)

I have to say that watching Christian this Christmas was a blast. We got our coffee, I baked homemade cinnamon rolls, and Christian drank hot cocoa (his "coffee") as we opened stockings and gifts. He did most of this in the wagon that he met with love at first sight (thanks Nana and Papa!). Danny and Christian went to church while I stayed home with a sleeping Jonathan. The remainder of the day consisted of Christian hanging in his pajamas (and new robe), playing with new toys in his wagon, a delicious turkey dinner, and blessed family time and memories.