When we were younger, Christmas always seemed to be so easy. As a child, we never had to worry to much about buying presents for other people. In fact, the only thing I had to worry about was my brother waking me up at 4:00 am, just to take a first peak at the new presents under the tree.

I remember one year, my parents got all us kids a Super Nintendo. We all unwrapped it together, giving my parents the smiles they were looking for. For years after that, they sat and watched as my siblings and I conquered many games, as our bodies moved the direction we were trying to get our racecars to turn, and as we enjoyed the competition as a family. Simple as that.

This year though, was not so simple. With all of the children from both Charles' and my own family growing up, moving out, and starting their own families, it just isn't that easy to spend the holidays together.

My brother D.J, his fiance, and two children, only had the time to see the family on Christmas eve as their Christmas day schedule was packed. Charles' sister Kassie, was at home in California with her husband and son. Above is DJ, Jodi, Hayley, Boo, Josh, and the back of Paige's head.

Charles and I were able to spend Christmas morning with my parents, remaining siblings, and neices and nephews as well. We were able to see that same Christmas glow on Josh, Haley, and Gabriel's face. Though Paige is still a little young to be overly excited, she was at least having a good time.

I must admit though, I don't think anyone was more excited than three Jedi's of the family... Picture of the year definitely goes to Kirsten, catching boys, being boys.

After the morning and awesomely wonderful breakfast, we were able to head home for a short while, and exchange gifts to one another. I found tears running down my face that mid morning, as I opened my gifts from Charles. He suprises me sometimes, with how well he knows me, and how sentimental he can be. One of his gifts was a large frame that holds multiple pictures. He filled it with pictures of us, and things that we have done. Even just thinking about it now, I'm very touched by his creativity. Not to mention the dedication it took to sort through all the photos, just to find the ones he put in the frame.

We then headed to Opa's house. There, on top of exchanging gifts, you know we were blessed to listen to Opa's stories of a different time.

As Pat and Donna were so kind to move their Christmas to 16:00, we then headed back there after Opa's house. Because it wasn't that time yet to have dinner and open presents, Michelle [we were both excited that she was able to come up for the holiday, and I was excited to get to meet her], Pat, Charles and I sat and played board games just waiting for the clock to strike four, when we knew Nikki, Ivan and Liam would be there. After a lovely Turkey dinner, wrapping paper started flying as we all opened our gifts.

That however, was not the end of Christmas. The following day, Charles and I played with our new games, cleaned and stored our new household items, and Headed to Bryce's house for lunch. Jennifer cooked an excellent meal, and we sat and talked about everyone's plans for the coming year.

That my friends, was the end of our 2009 Christmas. There was a lot of moving from place to place, but that means nothing in comparison with getting to spend time your loved ones. Hopefully next year, we can find a way to be joined by DJ, Jodi, Josh, Haley [and the bundle still in the oven] on Christmas day, and get to spend it with Kassie, Skylar, and Drake. We hope Michelle with be able to join us next year, and maybe I will be able to meet Meagan as well.

We are truly thankful for all the family and friends in our lives. We thank you for the wonderful gifts, and the support you have given throughout the year. With what you have given us [not only on Christmas, but through the rest of the year too] you have helped us to make our house [apartment... but soon to be house!] more like a home.

We love you!!!!!!!!!!