the Barter B.A.N.D.: Christmas

Christmas is always a time of year I cherish. Both Dave & I have so many wonderful memories of Christmases of times past and hope to create the same for our boys.

Christmas this year was extra busy. My card business was in full bloom and I thank everyone that helped make that possible by utilizing my services. I've decided to actually put my etsy shop on vacation mode for the time being and focus some time on my family. I will reopen but need to regroup first. Time with my boys was definitely compromised for a few months and I'm enjoying the extra moments to soak in this special time with them. I cannot believe how fast they're growing!

Christmas Eve is always spent at my Pappy's house. The day before Christmas Eve, I read on my cousin's facebook status that she & her mom both had the stomach virus (aka the Christmas Plague) BUT were on the mend and were planning on coming the next day to celebrate, per tradition. Being paranoid of the boys getting "the bug" (I have severe phobia of vomiting)...I seriously contemplated not going. After discussing it with Holly, she says, remember all those times she had it and we still went....basically, "get over it". I knew she was "right"....not really calming my anxiety but I decided we'd go and my boys would enjoy the night as I had all the years in the past. How could I keep my boys from seeing Santa? Soooooo, we go. When we arrive, we find out that my uncle also came down with it....AND my cousin that visited them overnight also came down with it, causing her not to come. I was then doubting my decision but said to myself...okay, too late to turn back now. We enjoy our night. Here are some photos displaying what a wonderful night we had.

Alex checking out the presents

Mama Allie & baby Kensington

Kensie's 1st Christmas

Blakey the Reindeer

Classic family photo

and another

Dave & Nikki

Mommy & Blake

Santa & Alex

Santa and the rest of our family were very generous with the boys and they received QUITE a few presents that they LOVE.

By the time we left Pappy's, another victim was hit with the Christmas Plague and unfortunately within two days, all four of us as well as another 3 family members were struck with it.

Thankfully we're all better now and hopefully have seen the last of that.

Here are a few pictures from Christmas and of the boys playing with their gifts.