Merry Christmas

As I sit here during the last hour of Christmas 2011, I'm thankful for the wonderful blessings and memories we have created over this Christmas season.  I could write a book on the many moments that have made me smile and filled my heart with joy. 

We had a great weekend in Illinois last weekend with Nick's family. We rotate holidays, so we spent last weekend there and were in Indy for Christmas.  There were 16 of us, and 6 under the age of 5.  If you think that spells chaos...you are absolutely right. However, the weekend if full of love and family and there isn't more you could ask for.  Not to mention my brother in law shaved his beard and sported a Tom Sellek mustache for our Christmas celebration. We love you, Keith!

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents and TJ and Kelli.  We had a great dinner and I'm not sure who enjoys the presents more, the grandkids or Gigi.  We ended the night at the Mt. Pleasant Christmas Eve candleight service, which was perfect.  I don't think there is much more a parent can ask for than looking down the pew seeing my dad helping Ali hold a candle and singing Silent Night.  I wish I could have captured that moment forever.

Nick and I enjoyed spending Christmas morning with the kids and my parents joined us for breakfast.  We spent the afternoon with the Sponsel clan. For those of you reading this who know us Sponsels, we are a loud bunch. My Uncle Bob kept seeing the spanish versions of Christmas carols...and he doesn't know Spanish. In fact, I think the hightlight was a rendition of Silent Night, in spanish nonetheless, kicked off by my 80+ year old grandmother.  We truly laugh until we cry!

It has been a blessed Christmas season, but no greater blessing than remembering why we celebrate this special day.  A Savior was born on Christmas day, and He came to the world to save us in a way we can never repay.  I'm thankful for the journey God has placed me on, and I'm in awe of the blessings He has provided me and my family.

Here are some moments from Christmas 2011:

 Baking with Ali and Maddi

 The annual Hopkins grandkid photo

There are about 4 of us taking 25 pictures each, all in hopes just one will capture the moment

Hopkins Gift Opening
The picture does not do it justice, but it gets pretty crazy

Christmas Eve 2011

The Sponsel grandkids getting ready to open presents

 Brock loving his Buzz Lightyear powerwheels

 Look what Santa brought us!

 Ali and her Rapunzel Doll on Christmas morning

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!