Christmas with Nana & Gramps (at Krys' in PA)

It was so, so special to see Nana & Gramps in Pennsylania this year. Nana went to so much effort, and through so much pain (traveling is really painful for her due to a hipbone that is deteriorating) to be with her beloved family. It was also extremely bittersweet for me as I had to leave early to try to quarantine our sick kids (that we thought had gotten better) from their young little cousins. When all is said and done a lot of people now have colds so it may have been noneffective since everyone was exposed from the start. But I tell you what, we had a grand Christmas celebration together. I have apologized profusely...but as I reflect back on it now a week later I am just so thankful for the memories I was able to share in. Tom and Cole got to be there the entire week and I was able to rejoin them in time for church on Sunday and the special dedication of my little nephews. It does seem like our time together was way too short and as we our home again I find myself lonesome for our very wonderful family. If you live near your family, please do not take them for granted and love on them regularly!!


Jeffrey & Krystal, so, so in love with each other and their beautiful kiddos. They always make me want to model Christ more after being around them. So faithful, so loving, so open armed at reaching out and embracing others with Christ's love...and they do so with four small children/babies.

When Deb & Rod are mentioned, Maddie always says, "Uncle Wad is so funny!" She loves the little games he plays with all the kids. They both always have ready hands to help hold babies, help pack sick kids up, cook, clean, you name it and they are ready to serve. Their son, Tyler, and our Cole enjoyed spending the week together. Uncle Tom still feels bad about shutting the car door on Tyer's hand...when you only see each other twice a year those are not the kind of memories you are aiming for!!

Now that is one hunky guy...holding one chunky little guy!

Christmas festivities at the cabin...huge thanks to Jeff's parents for their gracious hospitality. It is really fun getting to know the extended Yount family more and more on each of our visits.

Here are two little girls who really enjoy each other's company. They are SO into the same things and they pick up where they left off last visit so easily. They are holding their new dollies from Nana...they loved them so much! I was so excited to hear that I am still "Aunt Jerry" to Becca.

They both have a fascination with watching Sound of Music...who would of thought it at 3 years old? Here they are dancing to "16 going on 17!"

I love this shot of Aunt Krys with Maddie...snapped moments before we left and Krys was talking to her and saying goodbye. Such a relational auntie!

Cole had a outstanding week...because he and Dad were there without us they got to jump in the car and go sightseeing with Deb, Rod and Tyler. They spent a day in Washington D.C., included a visit to Hershey park, and they got to see a live dramatization of the nativity story in Lancaster, PA.

I love this picture of Cole in front of the Capitol.

And, of course, one of Cole's all-time highlights was (and always is) 4-wheeling. Pictured are Uncle Rod with Tyler; Cole with Dad, and Gramps beside them.

Even though our family circle is growing, it felt very incomplete without Robb & Julie and their kids there to complete us. I am really thankful for all my in-laws and feel very lucky and at times undeserving to have married into such a clan...but one thing I am for sure...grateful.