Where did December go? It's crazy how the holidays always seem to fly by despite my best efforts to slow down and enjoy them. Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed your Christmas and New Years as much as we did.
We began our festivities on Christmas Eve this year. We went to the family service at our church where we watched the kids tell the Christmas story and then we headed home to begin our own Christmas traditions and to open presents as a family.
I don't think Sadie knew what to make of her gift because she just stared at it like this until she finally got tired and fell asleep :)
Then Christmas morning it was off to Oceanside, CA to spend the day with Brandon's family.
Nana
Great-Aunt Licia
Then we ended the day flying to Oregon to be with my family. As you can imagine this made for a very hectic day but it was great getting to see everyone and Sadie was a real trooper. By the time we finally got to Portland she was over being in her car seat but all in all she was wonderful and we were so grateful.
This past Thanksgiving we bought 2 turkeys because Ryan LOVES, LOVES, LOVES, turkey and wanted to make sure that there would be plenty of leftovers. However, because so many people were bringing us meals during this time there was no room for it in the freezer. So we decided to store it out in the barn freezer until we had room. Unfortunately, to Ryan's dismay the turkey mysteriously disappeared a few days later. He was so bummed that I teased him that for Christmas I was going to buy him a turkey. Funny thing was he got really excited about that idea and every time I talked to him after that he reminded me that I had promised to get him a turkey. Anyway, so we went to open presents and our family always takes turns choosing one from the tree to open and when it was Ryan's turn he proudly found the biggest one and said, "I hope this is my turkey." It was and he made us all laugh as he always does. :)
Uncle Robert
Grammy
Another highlight of our trip was Brandon's big kill! Every time we go to Oregon Brandon goes out looking for Neutrea. Basically they are a mix between a rat and a beaver and they live in the blackberry bushes along our lagoon. Anyway, these creatures are quite illusive and thus far we've only seen pictures of Ryan's kills. However, this time Brandon was very excited to get one of his own. Way to go Honey!
Now Uncle Ryan was another story. He suggested I get a return policy on Sadie last month when she was born and reminded me of it every time she fussed. However, as you'll see he warmed up to her. :)
Great Grandpa and Grandma Moss
The youngest grandchild on the Moss side of the family Ellie and the oldest great-grandchild Sadie. They were born about 2 weeks apart.
I love being a part of a big family because crazy ideas like this one seem to catch on so quickly. Let's just say I think we cleared the Salem Target out of its footie pajamas. :)
All of the cousins on the Moss side of our family were able to make it to Dad's funeral. So here we are from me, the oldest, to Ellie the youngest.
Our family on Dad's day!
Auntie Amy's 2nd photo shoot of Sadie. I love all the cute pictures she takes and have to share a few of my favorites!
It's been a long journey as we've walked with my dad through his battle with cancer and today he went home to be with his Savior. The reality of it all hasn't set in yet, I feel like this is an alternate reality, one I'm unwilling to accept, and yet I know that it is real and I'm so thankful for the hope that I have in Christ and for the family that is surrounding me now. God is so good! We were all together when he went home and the lyrics to this beautiful song were playing. What comfort we have in the fact that Jesus has overcome the grave and that we will see the ones that we love again.
