Awesome Christmas

Christmas morning brought out the giggles and excitement for two little boys of mine. Awaking around 5:00 am, Noah was bright-eyed and ready for the day to begin. Snuggling in bed with both boys (in a twin size bed I might add ... what a sight we made), while trying to coax Noah back to sleep for a bit longer, I was able to stretch our sleep until about 7:15. Popping up and ready to open presents, Hayden jumped out of bed and ran into the living room to peek at the tree with his little brother following close behind. As I chased after them, whispering to keep the noise down while we waited for Grandma, Aunt Katie, and Grandpa to wake up too, all that could be heard was the pittering of feet and the giggles and cries "this is so awesome" from Hayden and a repeated "ya, awesome" from Noah. Moments like these are enough to melt your heart, and make me realize it's the little things in life that we must hold on to and remember.
Once the house was awake, we descended on our stockings first to see what treats were held inside and then moved on to the presents under the tree. It was a wonderful morning spent together with my boys, my sister, and my parents and I only wish that Chris would've been with us to join in the fun of it all.
The day continued to be wonderful and memories were made to share for us all. Later in the afternoon, we drove out to my aunt's home in Modesto and joined my dad's side of the family for games on the Wii, yummy food, a gift exchange, and of course, more yummy food! I love Christmas and it's not because we get to open presents or because we get things but because of the time I get to share with my family. It's the quality of time that has become most important to me, spending time together, being thankful to God, and sharing in the blessing of Jesus' birth not just at Christmas time but throughout the year ahead. I am so very thankful I had this time to be with my family and though part of my heart was with Chris in Arizona, it was a holiday I will remember fondly and cherish.