A lot happened on that vacation of ours

As you know we were home for Christmas and New Years. It was a wonderful time and we were so happy to see our family. Our visit over Thanksgiving was too short so we loved some extra time to hang out. I really thought we would be able to eat at all of our favorite restaurants but we didn't have enough time! There are just too many good places to eat. Plus we were introduced to a little Italian dessert called Zapoles. With all the eating, there was no way I would post a picture of myself. They exist, but only in your minds people.

For a consolation prize, I posted the picture of us on the flight there. The one on the top. We were so excited! There's just no way of describing the feeling I get knowing I will be home. Of course we feel home in MI but this is completely different. There is nothing to replace that feeling of comfort. As we touched down in Santa Ana, it seemed like time was moving slower for us. I think it was mostly me thinking I needed to make mental snapshots so I would remember as much as I could. Of course there is never enough time to tell all the details but I hope to bring out all the highlights.

Taylor and his lego tower.
So we both discovered how much we love playing with kids toys. Three of our nieces were over at Marty and Julie's house and Taylor took the opportunity of developing more motor skills. I thought it was pretty creative actually. Hope (youngest of the three) and Julie we eating and snack and Hope thought it was hilarious to pretend she would give Taylor a snack but then eat it herself. Julie would ask, "Do you want to give a snack to Taylor?" and every time she would nod with a huge grin on her face as soon as she got the snack because it was already in her mouth. She's cute like that.

Aww. My darling British sisters. Yes that is a Chipotle bag. Jenny is very resourceful like that. They both blow me away how well they give gifts. I only feel guilty that I do not have that talent. I will try to make it up in the future when they move to Nashville. Nothing like a batch of tacos or chicken casserole to make you feel more at home. Mmm...tacos.

I would like to say I had more of a chance to see more friends but it just didn't happen. Between all the family we have I was amazed I got to see most of them. I find it difficult to balance it all out because in the end you just have to pick and choose. Most friends take the news as it is, sad but inevitable. Others take it to a level I find over dramatic and quite crazy. More on that another day.

This is Taylor's Grandmother Irma with my MIL Julie. Irma's been having a lot of troubles lately and we hoped this wasn't the last time we saw her. I wouldn't be surprised if it was though. I just pray for her health and safety. If God wants to take her then He can have her. For right now everyone is trying to do their best and keep her content.

Taylor and his animals! This is Phoebe. She's a very sweet chihuahua that loves attention. Taylor is the perfect person for the job!

Taylor's grandfather Bill aka Pop Pop. He's been through a lot over the last few years and I was happy he liked the robe Julie gave him. Although he's hard of hearing and walking a little slower, he's still got that spunk left in him that we all know.

I think I had Del Taco three times. My mom's lasagna, Marty's spaghetti, Julie's cookies, The Whole Enchilada, Portillo's, you name it we ate it. And it was so good!

On Christmas Eve Taylor's brother and SIL came over with the kids. They were all dressed up for the holiday like I used to do as a kid. Emma was telling us about her latest book because she is a great reader. Stephanie was so full of life since Christmas was the next day, and Hope was being her usual cute self. Afterward we ate sandwiches and went to the Christmas Eve service. We came home after that and put on our Christmas pjs. Since Del Taco was closed, we ran to the store and I made quesadillas for everyone. They were SO good! Went to sleep around 11 and woke up to a wonderful Christmas morning. And I think its safe to say,

TO BE CONTINUED...