Our Christmas 2009

After being in a funk for the past few months, I finally got it in gear to get my house (somewhat) ready for my in laws. For some reason this year was really, really tough for me. I've missed my dad more than words can possibly express. Therefore, the idea of the holidays almost put me in a grouchy mood. Thinking I just wanted to shut the holidays out and play on my computer made me feel guilty. I slowly came around and planned an enchilada/taco dinner for my family. When they started showing up, I was a little more fulfilled than I had been. Seeing my young nieces and nephew helped revive my Christmas spirit! After all, isn't that what Christmas is about?

Emilee, the sparkle on the star. She has such a bubbly and fun loving personality. And come to think of it, as I did on this day, I don't think I've met an Emilee (Emily) I haven't liked!

Candace and Emilee look like they are up to something. Both of these girls are creative, smart and sweet.

My sis-in-law Cindy with her daughter Monica. Monica was opening Julian's gifts.

Our nephew Doug and niece Dawn and their daughter Emilee. One of these days I will get Dawn to look at me when I take her picture.

My mom Linda and hubby's mom Katy. She is still recovering from a nasty tick bite from last summer.

This is Candace. She got a new haircut for a big wedding she was in recently. I love it and it suits her perfectly!! She's very smart, creative, soft hearted and getting very grown up on me. I couldn't believe it when I saw her. It's hard to deny that time passes so quickly.

Remember the monkey I told you about? There he is. Emilee was NOT thrilled at first. She's a Panda lover now. I told her she could take him back in exchange for a Panda. She quickly changed her mind when she realized how much everyone else loved him. Especially Julian. He took right to the monkey. Emilee told me later the monkey was farting. Didn't really know he did that, but it sure did sound like that was the truth!!

This is Julian. When Great Granny took off his coat, he was a mini Santa. He was sooo cute. He turned one in September and was an angel the whole time he was here. I believe he's gonna have his Grandma and Uncle's laid back personalities.

He's not crying here, he was laughing and looking at his sister Candace. What a good boy!

And just like every time they have been at my house, I've wanted to get family pictures. I never do, for some reason it escapes me, even when I'm packing my camera. That is one of my resolutions this year, to get a good picture of my husband with his family.