We Had a Very Merry Christmas

For the first time in our married lives, Brad and I enjoyed a Christmas at home together. Last year he was in Iraq, the year before that we went to Austria, and all the times before that we spent Christmas with our families. It was nice to come up with our own Christmas traditions, to spend lots of time with Annika, and to not ever have to change out of our pajamas.

Baumholder got snow on and off for the whole week before Christmas, although it also got rain, so the snow never accumulated very much. Still, we enjoyed somewhat of a white Christmas, and Annika got a chance to get outside. She didn’t really love the snow (another experience together that went differently than I envisioned. . . ) and after walking around for a little bit said “Annika cold . . .  home?”

Christmas morning was relaxed and wonderful. Annika was appropriately spoiled, and Brad managed to surprise me once again. He got me a new large format printer that I can’t wait to try out  (it hasn’t quite got here yet . . .) He loves the down slippers and book that I got him, but I can’t help but feel as though I have been outdone again.

We had Christmas Eve dinner at our house with Brad’s brother Jeff and his family and then we had Christmas dinner together the next day at their house. All of the cousins enjoyed showing off and playing with each other’s new toys. The kids got indoor slides, which are still providing hours of entertainment. Annika has developed a new fascination with princesses, and so she loved trying out Avery’s new princess dresses and dancing with her handsome prince, Andrew. We felt very lucky this Christmas to be so close to family and are grateful that Annika has such good friends in her cousins.