Christmas Afternoon

After we left we got to come home for about an hour before heading out to Troutdale to my aunt and uncle's house for a quick stop then off to Kaye's family... 3 different sides, lots of family, even more food! Josh and I were up at 6:30 to start baking breakfast and dessert for various stops.. the house smelled really good for a while!
At the end of the day we were exhausted and more than ready to be home. My mom and Tim came over and Sam got more presents before we finally put her to bed. It was the third night in a row she was up past her bed time...

Christmas with the Barkers...

Christmas with Kaye's side...

Finally back home, and one more present...

Christmas Morning

Of course when we try to streamline things and do less we still end up doing way too much. Our original plans for Christmas Eve were only 1 stop, then church, that turned into 3 stops, and then Josh and I went to church late. Christmas we only cut out one stop, but still ended up going to 3 places... sigh. We'll have to figure something out eventually. We started at Josh's mom's house... minus Pat. She was at church since Christmas fell on a Sunday. It was definitely weird to be there without her, and Wayne, a hard Christmas. But it was good to see Sam enjoy everything. She was of course a happy girl, and somehow managed to stay in daddy's lap the entire morning opening presents, then once everything was done, got down to play.

Christmas Eve and meeting Grandpa Tim

Finally the time came for my step dad Tim to meet Samantha. He hasn't been able to come out this way since last Christmas, a month before Samantha joined us. He got lots of time, but I'm sure not enough for sure.

Christmas eve we headed to Josh's mom's house early, although not before stopping at his aunt and uncle's to see some cousins we would have otherwise missed. We got to see baby Jordan for the first time, and remember how small Sam once was... kind of. Then we rounded out the night at my aunt and uncle's house for some more food and family.

Christmas Brunch

This last Sunday we got together with good friends for some amazing food and a chance to just hang out before the holidays. The kids enjoyed running around, or lying around depending on age, and opening their presents.

The kids lined up by age

Only 3 weeks apart in age...

Keira wanted to play with Sam and Ella

Watch out! Here comes Claire!

Claire is taller, and 6 months younger

Love this, Julie and Ella