Michaelis Christmas

We had a chance to get together with Derek's family and both of his brothers over Christmas. We switch off every other holiday, which lets us relax on the holidays versus splitting our time the entire time. We weren't able to see Ryan & Kevin over Thanksgiving, the holiday spent with the Michaelis' this year. So we were thrilled to have some hang time with them over Christmas.

Justin got plenty of Thomas accessories to bring home. Ryan with a new sweater.

Justin, once again, helping Kevin open a present.

Derek with a Cubs shirt (traitor).

Me with my new tripod - yea!

Justin playing with Rody, a blow-up toy from Germany. Tom & Mary Beth have had this for over a year, waiting for him to be old enough to play with it. It reminds me of those red balls with the handle that we used to bounce on as kids.

Kevin, Ryan, Derek, JT, & Tom

Our Christmas photo of the fam

Justin kept climbing over the back of the couch, knowing the "tickle monster" was on the other side. He & Grandpa played this game for at least half an hour, each time a new element of surprise.


I'm so thankful that all the family is in Waco, leaving us with less travel time. It was a treat to see Derek's family over this holiday. Makes me realize how blesses we truly are. We had actually gotten to spend a lot of time with Mary Beth this past month. She was a trooper and drove up to Lufkin to watch Justin during all the funeral appointments for my Mamaw. Which was a HUGE HELP that I didn't need to keep up with my child during all that (much less he could nap and go to bed as usual). Thanks again, Mary Beth, for always being there for us!