Christmas

Oh boy, I'm finally posting Christmas pictures! Big events always feel a little overwhelming to blog, thus here I am blogging about Christmas a good month+ later.

We had such a wonderful Christmas this year! We decided to head to Portland, Oregon to spend Christmas with my mom and dad and sisters Liz and Keri and their families. Two of my brothers, Brian and Adam, and their families joined us later to celebrate the New Year. To avoid buying Owen a plane ticket on the way out there (and yes, we had to pay for him flying home) he and I flew out on December 22nd. Ryan joined us on December 24th. I was worried about the flight out there, being so pregnant and alone with a toddler. Even though it was a long day, I couldn't have asked Owen to behave better. Luckily on the first flight we had the only empty seat on the plane next to us, so Owen ended up having his own seat. We weren't as lucky on the second flight, but again, Owen did great! We watched Curious George the entire time, which I was absolutely fine with since it kept him entertained. Being so pregnant, however, I was so uncomfortable. I had a hard time walking the next day because I sat in one spot for so long with him on my lap.

We enjoyed a couple low key days before Christmas arrived. After celebrating Owen's birthday during the day on the 24th we had a very nice Christmas Eve dinner with all of us--Evans, Nashes, Mom and Dad, and us. (at the bar: Kayleigh, Calvin, Jared, Miles, Owen. Table 1: Keri, Matthew, Mom. Table 2: Alisa, Liz, Dad, Travis, Ryan, Jessica) Then, following Christensen tradition we acted out the nativity scene, turned off all the lights and lit candles to sing Christmas songs, and then opened up pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa. The Nashes left that night to be in their home Christmas morning.

Christmas morning was so fun! Owen was definitely more aware of what was going on this year compared to last. It was fun watching him! The boys anxiously awaited at the top of the stairs to head down and see what Santa brought them. Owen received a stroller to push his bear in (he loves pushing a real stroller around) from Santa. He also loved playing with his new Elmo, blocks, race car track, puppets, games, books, etc. Thanks to cousins, grandparents, mom and dad Owen had a great Christmas! Ryan was excited to open a GPS Garmin running watch and I was thrilled to get a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag.

(Grandma reading the book she and Grandpa gave Owen--love this picture)

After opening gifts Mom and Dad headed north to enjoy the rest of Christmas and several days at the Nashes. We went to church and then headed to the Evans' (Rick and Kari) for Liz and Travis do some Christmas with Trav's family.