Christmas 2016

This past Christmas was a whirlwind of a time for our family. We started decorating the house right after Thanksgiving just like any other year. Then half way through December is when my father became ill and had to be hospitalized. So, for the next few weeks I was off from work and spent almost all my time at the hospital with my father. We tried to get in as much of our holiday traditions as possible, but it was difficult because we were not at home.

Decorating our annual gingerbread house.

Brinley decorating her side of the house.

Elam reading the night before Christmas to Landon and Brinley.

Jennifer's family at MiMi's to take some Christmas card pictures.

We even made a trip up to the Newport Aqurium for a visit with Scuba Santa.

We even got a picture in the sleigh.

Since we were already so close at the aquarium we also made a quick little trip over to see the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Brinley and Frosty at the Festival of Lights.

Landon at his Christmas party at preschool.

Since we were away from home my cousin Tricia graciously allowed Jennifer and the kids to stay at their place. So, one day Jennifer and I decided to celebrate Christmas with the kids with the gifts that Santa brought them. The night before they left out some cookies for Santa and even put some reindeer food outside too. Since we hadn't really finished all our Christmas shopping, we just brought the few gifts that the kids had asked for from Santa.

Landon opening up his gifts.

The kids and us with their gifts from Santa. Landon and his dinosaur and Brinley with her Anna doll.

The kids playing pie face with their cousins.

The kids with grandpa on Christmas day while he was still in the ICU.

The kids also got to celebrate with their great grandparents.

When we were finally able to come back to our house when my father was better then we celebrated with the kids and gave them the big gift that Jennifer and I got them. Jennifer and I also got to exchange some gifts as well.

The kids loved their dune racer. 

Myself and the kids opening a few gifts.

Family picture with our Christmas PJs.

My girls opening mommy's gift.

Jennifer did a great job with the kids homemade hand print ornaments this year.

The kids opening some gifts while they were celebrating Christmas with Jennifer's family.

Landon and Elam opening gifts at MiMi's house.

So, even with everything that was going on we were able to get around and visit with quite a bit of family. If nothing else was learned this holiday season then it was to appreciate all the time that you have with your loved ones because at any moment they can be taken from you. Fortunately for us my dad was able to recover and we will hopefully get to spend many more Christmas' with him. Thanks for reading and God bless!