MERRY CHRISTMAS Memories...

There's always mixed feelings when the Christmas season comes to a close...the decorations are much more fun going up than coming down; the extra pounds from eating too much GOOD food are making me uncomfortable, so my perpetual New Year's resolution rears its ugly head once again: lose weight! On a positive note, getting back to a "normal routine" will be a plus in many ways.  AND, the time spent with family and friends is one of the best memories we hold dear, and that's where I LOVE photographs in order to record special moments/memories when we are all together each and every holiday! 

Our daughter Jennifer getting to know her nephew, Landon, during her Christmas visit!

Cailyn is very happy with ner new Minnie Mouse from Mimi and Grandpa!

Landon cuddling his new stuffed puppy dog!

Playing games during the children's naptime...Grandpa's naptime too! ;-)

The stockings are filled and ready to "open" after naps. The stockings have been accumulated over the years, gifts from my sister as she created each and every one of them!
My parents joined us for a lasagne dinner, and they enjoyed playing with Landon and Cailyn too!

Two days later we celebrated Christmas with our extended family at my sister's home.  Terry and Ken hosted a wonderful party, and we all contributed to the mexican food dinner fare. Here they are in front of their beuatiful stocking-ladened fireplace!

Here's Cailyn getting acquainted with her newest cousin, Noah, who lives in Mississippi.

Here's my sister with her 5th grandson, Noah! He is 7 months old.   His mommy, Jamie, is shown here with her sister-in-law Amy and cousins, Alissa and Jennifer! Noah's daddy, Jeremy, our nephew, was unable to come to Arizona for Christmas due to his job schedule requirements.  We hope to see him in January for a quick visit though!

Here's my niece MaryBeth cuddling Landon who was very fascinated with her sparkling necklace!  Cailyn and Landon love seeing all their cousins again!

Cailyn and Ethan are about 6 months apart, and my niece Amy is Ethan's mommy. The three of them are enjoying a special conversation together!

Here are Ethan's older brothers, Garrett (standing) and Aiden...they are ready to play a fun game on their Papa's pool table turned into a game table for the evening!

My nephew Chris, married to MaryBeth, has his arms full of fun...nephew Noah and his own son, Bode who is 18 months old already! 

Alissa and Alan sharing some time with their grandparents...and with their niece and nephew!

Mike and Corissa enjoying dinner with Cailyn...

Two sisters preparing the salad before dinner! 

Niece, Amy and her husband, Chris, enjoying a quiet moment between games and gift opening!  Whew!! Time to catch your breath!

So, as I contemplate taking down the Christmas decorations, I am so happy to have these photos...to remember some very special Christmas moments with our dear family!