Christmas in denver

Christmas was a success this year. i found myself feeling very blessed

over and over and over.

we were surrounded by beautiful Christmas décor

thanks to Linnea's hard work and brilliance.

her Christmas decorations were absolutely wonderful

and i just couldn't get enough of them.

 

 

 

 

Carter met his great-grandmother, Shirley, for the very first time.

this was a special moment.

we love this woman and she loves her family.

i like to call her the

"mother-hen."

she is an incredible example of kindness and it made me

very happy to have her and Carter finally meet.

he is a lucky little boy to be part of her family legacy.

 

much of the time was spent with family

which was exactly why this Christmas was such a success.

we were surrounded by people we love and care about.

 

^^ cousins (2 weeks apart!)

i already love those two together.

cute little baby Mac and baby Carter

(i pretty much die over Carter's half smile) 

 ^^^auntie love.

 

^^i literally could not remember the last time i had made a gingerbread house.

it definitely has to be middle school or even earlier.

(sad!)

thanks Linnea, for reminding me how much fun it is!

(chipmunk daron is eating i don't know what)

 

this picture below is so dear to my heart.

see that man in the middle?

that is

Lee Sterling Carlson.

Carter's great-grandfather,

daron's grandfather.

he is a remarkable man

(to say the least)

im already thinking about the day

when i will tell Carter about him

and explain how incredibly proud

of his middle name

he should be.

 

my little penguin...

as santa's helper.

oh that face.

im in love.

i really am.

 Christmas has come and gone.

it does every year way too fast.

our hearts are filled with gratitude as

we were able to spend this Christmas as a family of 3

and take time to focus on what matters most.