A Very Merry Christmas

Christmas always has been my favorite holiday, and now that I have my own little family to celebrate with, I love it even more!  This honestly was probably the best Christmas I have ever had; not that past Christmas's have been bad.  I think it was just the joy and thankfulness of being able to spend it with most of our family (Josh's sisters weren't home along with his other distant family), the great mood and spirit everybody had, and watching Blayze enjoy every minute of it.

We start Christmas with a tradition that I have had since I was a baby, and that is going to Goomie and Gramps' house (my dad's parents) for Christmas Eve.  There were 22 adults and 12 children (not counting Shea baby).  It is loud and a little crazy, but all we have ever known on Christmas Eve! Here is a pic of all of the kids minus Jetter Bug because he was sick and puking most of the night.

After we get home from Goomie and Gramps' we let Blayze open up his "big" present from Josh and I.  This summer his Auntie Paulette got him started on the "Thomas the Train" sets.  They are cool because you can buy track and equipment to add to the existing track.  We found a crane that is remote control that is part of the set.  His name is Cranky the Crane.  Blayze was very excited....Josh was too, so much that he set it up that night so Blayze could play with it first thing in the morning.

Christmas morning we have Dad, Becky, Gabrial, Goomie, Gramps, Barb, Nick, Mom, Steve, Lexie, Jaemen, Jaxson, Jett, and D.J. out to our house for presents and breakfast.  Blayze was so excited for everyone to come play with his new toys.  Santa brought Blayze a backhoe and truck to haul it.  That is what he asked for every time you asked him what he wanted Santa to bring.  Breakfast was great and present time was a little hectic, but nothing out of the ordinary with that many people crammed into our little living room.  I feel so blessed that our family's get along and can come together as one to celebrate Christmas together in one place.  We started this Christmas morning tradition last year with being in the new house, and I hope it continues for years to come.  Here are some pictures from that part of the day.

Christmas afternoon we went to my Dad and Becky's for a very laid back and delicious dinner.  Played a little Just Dance 3 with my sisters and stepmom, laid around a lot, and enjoyed spending a quiet afternoon together with family.  At one point in the day Blayze said, "Do it again!"  Josh asked, "Do what again?" Blayze excitedly exclaimed, "PRESENTS!!!" We explained that he would have to wait for his birthday.  I hope that everyone else had a wonderful Christmas spent with someone they love.  Merry Christmas to all from the Shea's!