family

We were fortunate enough to spend some time over the holidays with my family. It is wonderful when we are all together. The kids love playing together and we adults love getting together and sharing stories about our lives. It is hard being so far away from my family especially around the holidays.

 William, Alana, Elizabeth, and Tyler

Dave, Becky, Jeremy, Myself, Grandpa, Grandma, Amy, Tyler, Alana, Elizabeth, William

 This year was a little bit rougher for me than the years past. Dave had to work the 24, 25 and 26 which made for a long Christmas home alone with the kids. It reminded me of what the holidays are really about. It has nothing to do with the gifts you receive. It has everything to do with spending it with family. Looking back I would have done things a little differently. I would have taken my in laws up on their offer to have myself, the kids and dogs down to celebrate with them rather than spending it home alone with the kids. The kids had a great time, which is wonderful, but I know they would have had an even better time seeing their Grandparents and Aunt and Uncle on Christmas and had a nice Christmas meal instead of chicken nuggets, broccoli and apple slices. I have a much greater appreciation for family and have realized that I can't do everything on my own and that some times "toughing it out" just doesn't work. You need to be surrounded by family and people who love you and care about you; Be it blood relation or friends that feel more like family.