mErrY cHriSTmAs aNd a HaPPy nEw yEaR.

our first christmas as a married couple was quite an adventure. it didn't quite feel like christmas because of all the celebrations. Neither of us celebrated the way we are used to, but nevertheless, it was a wonderful week. we definitely realized that christmas is not about the traditions but about celebrating the birth of our Savior and enjoying time together with friends and family.

our 1st celebration was with just the two of us. it was a wonderful evening of building our own traditions and enjoying married life.

we arrived in texas saturday night. woke up bright and early sunday morning and met our bestest friends, the mccords for breakfast before we left for ruidoso. we hadn't seen adelaide in almost 6 months so she has grown a lot, and is even cuter than ever!

after breakfast we headed off in two cars with my family to ruidoso, new mexico. it was such a relaxing week of eating, phase 10, playing with emery and relaxing.

here is emery playing wii golf and real golf with his new clubs from uncle bryan. he was hilarious with the wii golf. he wanted to do it completely by himself and he could.

uncle clay and emery playing. this kid was obsessed with his uncle clay. "uncle clay, come sit by me. uncle clay, play trains with me. uncle clay, come here." so cute!

uncle bryan, trying on my new hat. emery, eating snow.

this kid loves his trains. we happened upon a train store in town and i think emery would have stayed there forever if we let him. me and my sis in law, melissa sporting our cutie hats that she knitted. isn't she talented?

one last family pic. it was a great week. thanks for putting it all together mom & dad!

we arrived back in kansas city saturday afternoon. because jordan, clay's brother, was flying out the next day we did christmas that night with the fulghum's. it was a great evening of snacking, opening lots of presents and playing wii.

here we are with some spectacular gifts.

and later enjoying those spectacular gifts.

we are immensely thankful for two wonderful families and the time we get to spend with each of them. the Lord has surely blessed us and we are forever grateful for the true meaning of christmas.

and a happy new year
to be continued...