Christmas Eve

When we are home to celebrate the Christmas holiday with Chris' family, we start with Christmas Eve at his cousin, David and Christine Sadler's house. They graciously host all of the family for one crazy, chaotic, good time, full of white elephant for the adults, a smorgasbord of simple gifts for the kids, and lots of good, good food. Paper goes flying, kids run around scattering toys everywhere, drinks are poured, and everyone has a great time! Each year it is exciting to see how the kids have grown and the new things they are in to. Since we don't get together near often enough, I am always amazed by just how grown up they get every time I see them. I often wonder if everyone else feels that way about Charlotte since she is growing at the pace of a snail (more about this later).

However, this year was much different for us. We were all quite amused by her determination to keep up with all of the other kids. She was absolutely fearless for the first time around this group of kids. She played hard and crashed even harder when it was finally time for bed, a sign that she too, had an absolute blast. Unfortunately, every time we return for Christmas Eve here, my mind plays back memories of her first horrible experience, screaming at the top of her lungs in the back room, exhausting all resources to try to get her to stop screaming and all willing hands that were put up with her bone chilling scream that lasted for hours. But, just when my mind wandered there this year, she came zipping around the corner with a smile plastered on her face. And that, erased it all. I am so thankful for how far she has come... what a relief that we are no longer living those memories, but that we are creating memories with many more smiles and laughter with her.

I present, the smiles...

The Hawn Gang

Chris' Uncle Tim, Aunt Rhonda, and Christine's sister and husband

The Sadler and Barker Gang

Somehow, we missed a picture of Joyce's family :( I think we didn't get our camera out enough, but they were present and accounted for during the celebration too.

Kristy, Pat, Jules & Jeff

Us

Grandma and Grandpa Hawn with all of their kids, Chris, Matt, Kim and Pat

Having a GREAT time!

And finally, the moment we were all waiting for... pictures with Christmas cookies for Santa!!! It was late, and we were all ready for bed, anticipating the wonderful gifts that Christmas would bring.

Ho Ho Ho!!!

The Hawns