A different type of Christmas

Christmas was always my Grandma's favorite time of year and it was especially hard preparing for this Christmas season without her. But, we all know that she would have wanted us to go on and enjoy the season and sweet family time as much as we could. So we tried. It just wasn't the same though.

Also, Matt's job was particularly hectic in December and kept him away from home quite a bit. He was also unable to get off for the Brennan family Christmas the weekend before, then was on call on Christmas Eve, so that was a bit difficult to manage. He was, however, able to come up to my parents cabin the week afterwards which was a sweet respite for all of us.

Despite the challenges that this holiday season brought for us, overall, we were extremely fortunate and blessed to have made so many wonderful memories with our little family and our extended family as well. Brinley was at such a fun age and we were filled with joy watching her discover the lights, tree, presents, etc. We also talked to her a lot about Jesus and her Jesus, Me and My Christmas Tree book was a nightly favorite. She really took to frosty the snowman as well and teaching her to sing that song was such a delight. She was certainly a ray of sunshine for all of us during this "different" kind of Christmas.

Here's lots of pics from Dec-Jan.

Helping mommy make brownies for Daddy and licking the spoon

What a cutie!

Visiting Matt's great grandma in her special care facility

She was a hit in her candy-striper dress :)

Momma and baby at our decorating party

Uncle Eldon came over to help out too

Helping Daddy setup the new train for under the tree

The special bible from my Grandma. It was her favorite Christmas decoration and it will always have a place of honor in our home.

Firefighter pictures!

The look she gave Ms. Mandi when she was asked to please not dump her food on the floor :)

Sis-sis (princess) Brinley!

Walking around in Daddy's shoes

Bowl on the head!

Playing dress up with Momma

Fun with cousin Joscelyn at the Brennan family Christmas

Ba-pa Tom!

She loved sitting with the big kids

Great Grandma B

Me and James's gingerbread house

Christmas with my Dad and Robbin

Pudding fun!

All dressed up for Christmas Eve. She even let me curl her hair! :)

That dress!

While Matt was working his parents and sister came over to spend Christmas Eve with me and Brinley

yea! Finally got one with Matt's parents on here

Brinley's new table and chairs that she got from Ga-Ga and Ba-Pa for Christmas

Our Christmas morning setup for the little bug. Had a lot of fun assembling the kitchen and setting up the table for her :)

Play kitchen all set to go!

Video of her checking it all out

Christmas morning breakfast, she likes ketchup with her Kuchen :)

Trying on her big puffy coat and new hat and mittens. She's getting more and more into accessories over here.

Another "Christmas morning" at the cabin with Mom and Garry

Opening her stocking

Daddy needs a bow too!

Yea for a family pic!

Princesses can play with firetrucks too

Princess Daddy loves his little girl :)

Dancing with Uncle James

So cute, she laid down and put Ba-Pa Garry to bed

Mama joined too

You!!!!!

And we've officially got a climber. It's funny though, she can climb up but then gets stuck and hollers cause she can't get back down. And don't worry, it's nailed to the wall. :)