A Friends are the Family Christmas

Our Christmas this year was jam packed, parties, travelling to see family near and far, three Christmases on Dec. 25, plus another on Boxing Day, lots of talking, laughing, and definitely lots of food.  This year, I felt like we were extra blessed by being able to spend a whole day with our closest friends Joel and Heather, and their two littles.  A month ago they moved closer to our house, so now a visit takes only 23 (exactly!) minutes in the car, instead of two hours.  It's so great, and I can't wait to see what other adventures are able to come out of this closer proximity.

We had a day of soooo much food and Christmas movies (The Grinch, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, and Fred Claus, plus a few episodes of Wipeout and America's Funniest Home Videos, you know, just cause we needed to laugh even more).  I made a gingerbread house with the kids, the boys made us a fruit fondue, the kids got covered in chocolate, and Heather just relaxed, as she was feeling a little under the weather.  It was one of the best Christmas 'days' I've had in a long time.  No stresses, no family arguments, just good times with excellent friends.  It was a great start to our Christmas season.

Another little bonus this year, was that when we woke up Christmas morning at Josh's parents, our little kitty was gifted with his own stocking!  I thought it was so cute, and such a nice gesture from the grandpetparents.  He definitely got spoiled by them.  Even though he had to stay home over the Christmas break, it was so nice to see that he was still thought of.  Next year's goal is to get him more comfortable for car trips, so he can come with us to our parent's town.