Don't Worry. . .I Didn't Die

I have been on a blogging hiatus enjoying Christmas break and it was the busiest one yet. Here are a few of the highlights:

After being exposed to FREEZING cold Washington weather relative to our balmy 75 degree Florida weather we started the vacation off with a bang by attending my brother-in-law Dallin's wedding in Pasco to his wonderful wife Ashley Henry--congrats you two! Don't they look great together?!

After a short weekend the happy couple rejoined us in Seattle for a night out at the Fifth Avenue Theatre watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Thanks Valerie for not giving up on the guys--it was SO worth it! Here are some pics from that which apparently are valuable since you are NOT allowed to take pictures inside--one strike on Hillary's naughty list for Santa. . .

Janelle and me

Bryce and Devin

Valerie and Jeff

Derek, Bradley and Dallas

The next event was the annual Calaway Christmas Party in Mattawa and this year I will say was my favorite so far. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Calaway for this tradition and we enjoyed the opportunity to see everybody.
The three B Brothers Bryce, Blaine and Bradley--thanks for the nice shirt Grandma!

Colton enjoying himself before opening presents.

Colton and his new pal buddy getting acquainted.

From here we scrambled last minute preparations for Christmas and what a day it was. The younger kids somehow held off until 6:30 a.m. to see what Santa had brought (typically it's 3 or 4 a.m.), and we all enjoyed 'swimming' in the beautiful gifts Santa gave. It was only made better this year by the fact that Blaine and I had Colton to enjoy Santa with--kids make Christmas magical. . .

One of the favorite traditions in the Calaway family started a few years back when Santa brought the kids an Erector set that they played with all Christmas day--by the time they were ready to open gifts from one another it was after 9:00 and so it drew the magic of giving and receiving gifts out all day. The tradition has remained over the years so that the evening of Christmas day is reserved for opening gifts together and it is the best way to finish off the day.
Close your eyes honey--it's that good. . .

Sorry Bradley--I had too. I think your shirt is on backwards!

The WebKinz of the Month--HOORAY!!!!!

We missed our family in Idaho so much. These pics of Colt are especially for you Grandma Furness-we know you missed your grandbaby and he missed you all too! (side note to my younger bro Jordan whose wedding I wasn't able to make it too--I love you and I wish so badly we could have been there. Jordan literally married the girl next door this Christmas and we love her to pieces--welcome to the family and we can't wait to see you both!)

Janelle is wishing the day wouldn't end! We all felt the same way.