Christmas with the family

Since we are living in NC for the first time in many years (about 11 years, actually), Christmas was a little different this year. Normally we are traveling and we come up for a few days before the 25th to see as much family as possible. This year=no travel. YAY!

Dan's brother, Jay, and his two sons came to town Wed to have Christmas with MauMaw, Paupaw and us. Jay and I took Jacob, Luke, and Olivia to Discovery Place Kids for the afternoon and then we hosted everyone that evening for dinner and presents. It was a nice, relaxed evening and all of the kids had fun opening their gifts and playing.

Christmas Eve it was time for my side of the family to get together. Oma and Opa came over for the afternoon to spend some time with us, Luke and Olivia and see them open their presents. They loved their sit and spin and pillow pets. Dan and I received a year pass to the Biltmore, which we are very much looking forward to using lots throughout the coming year. After Oma and Opa left, my sister came over with my niece and nephews. The kids enjoyed playing while us adults enjoyed some time just talking. Before we knew it, the day was almost over and it was time to get ready for Santa. More to come on that later...

Christmas Day we went to Dan's brother's Wyndal's house for a bit to exchange gifts and chat. It was supposed to start snowing that evening, so we didn't get to stay for very long.

Although it was very different this year, it was wonderful to be able to see so much family without having to travel almost 500 miles round trip. We look forward to many more memorable holidays here in our new home, and less miles on our car!