Dear H, O and B,

We had so many fun moments celebrating Christmas this year! We went to the Christmas festival at the Princess, had the Gutes, the Keatings and the Georges (from Florida) up from Tucson, we visited the train park, and went to see the zoo lights. We went to your holiday piano recital, Hayden, and your preschool Christmas program, Owen and Bennett.

Grandma and Jiddoh came for a long visit the week of Christmas. Jiddoh helped us with a bunch of house projects and we celebrated his birthday with him (even though it is December 31st) because we aren’t usually with him on the actual day. It was so nice to have them here! Uncle Joe, Aunt Tonja, Dyllan and Karsen came from Alaska, too, and we had so much fun having them here.

The Christmas season has always been my favorite time of year, but nothing compares to the joy it brings me as a mama. I feel so blessed and so lucky to be able to plan and participate in so much holiday magic with the three of you. I just know that when you are all grown up, I will long for these days when we shared such joy over the holidays.

Also, I wanted to take a quick second to tell you that I hardly ever take any pictures on Christmas day. I spend most of the day cooking and really being present with you and with the people who fill our home. It is my favorite day of the year, and I don’t want to miss a minute! I know myself well enough to know that if I spent the day taking pictures, I would fell less a part of it, so I make the conscious decision to participate fully. I love making memories with you.

Love you,
Mama