Christmas, New Years, and everything in between

After hauling the trailer home, Kevin went back down for a week of work in Bend and then was officially laid off. He was expecting to be laid off a couple months this winter, so it wasn't a surprise. He's been home with us for three weeks, and I am back to my lazy ways of letting him take care of the dogs, make our meals, do the dishes, rearrange car seats, watch the kids so I can go running, snowboarding, etc. It's so nice to have him home.

Christmas went by in a flash of craziness. Two days full of family, plus another couple days of presents. The kids are at such a fun age for gifts. Seeing the joy on their face opening presents gets better every year. 

Christmas #1 was at Kevin's parents. 

Christmas #2 was at our home Christmas morning. 

Our morning at home is always my favorite. I love my family dearly, but there's something about just the four of us in our pjs opening the gifts that we bought. Drake got Kjersten a gift and was so excited for her to open it. Kevin spoiled me rotten, despite our agreement to not buy each other gifts that he breaks every year. Next year, I'll realize he breaks it every year and be sure to get him a thoughtful gift!

Santa brought Drake a Cookie Monster stuffed animal "with legs". Sis got Tinkerbell wings to go with her Tinkerbell dress that she wears almost daily. 

Christmas #2 was at my parents with my brother and his family. We had snacks and the kids opened their presents. I neglected to take any pictures of them opening presents, but I did get pictures of the "big gift" for them all to share. 

Christmas #3 was at my parents with my mom's extended family. We get together often and it's the family that I really cherish the most. Five sisters and they've stayed close together, raising their families together. It was the first year since my Grandpa's passing also, so I'm sure it's comforting for my grandma to have all of her children together.

Almost immediately after Christmas, we started our birthday swing. Four parties in five days; a 3-year-old, 100-year-old, 8-year-old, and Drake's fifth birthday. It's so fun catching up with old friends and family that you don't see often.  

We had Drake's fifth birthday party at Jump N Party. I was so beside myself that nearly everyone that we invited was able to make it, in the chaos of the season. It was such a blast watching Drake run around with all of his friends from different social settings. He had a posse of boys chasing him wherever he went. My earliest memories are from around the age of five and I couldn't help but think of him as an adult thinking of the glory of his fifth birthday. Both sets of grandparents were there, both his auntie and uncle and their spouses and kids. This year really feels full. Full of love and family. 

For New Year's Eve, I babysat my cousins 7 month old baby. I was only up at midnight to feed her and the rest of my crew fell asleep about 10. Maybe next year will be exciting.

As for Kevin, he'll start Saturday school up again in Pasco and wait for a phone call from the apprenticeship office with his next job. We're enjoying him being home at the moment.