Friday, December 27, 2013

Christmas 2013




Merry Christmas 2013

I love how our family is growing.  A rare family picture when the kids are all together.  Matthew and Carlie came home from North Carolina for Christmas.  Taylor was home from Alaska and Jalen and Nathan were home from Everett, Washington.  Such a special holiday to have our family complete.
The only way to make the above picture better is to add both sets of Grandparents, my sister and Tyler.  Gosh, I love these people!  
As tradition serves, we found a $15 tree this year.  We couldn't find a $10 tree that we liked, but hey...$15 dollars for a HUGE tree isn't too shabby! 

We got a new couch for Christmas!  Thanks, Santa!
Bill and Jalen are busy little elves wrapping presents and getting ready for Christmas morning. 

Merry Christmas from Maverick!

Auntie Allie and Maverick
It was so great to see Matthew and Carlie and our new grand puppy, Lola


Taylor is home from Alaska after being away for over a year!
My oldest baby!  Home for the holidays

Nana and Taylor

I love the times that we can all sit around the table and catch up with each other.  I love how close our family is.
Matthew and Courtney

Maverick's new Tigger Toy and Olaf chair
The Ryan Family opening their gift from us

Carlie, Matthew and Bill

Kaela, Courtney and Kyle

The Bratton Family

Friday, December 20, 2013

Nathan is HOME!

Our sailor has returned! 
(Just in time for Christmas!)
Our daughter Jalen and her husband Nathan have been apart for the last 9 months due to his deployment.  It has been very difficult for her raising Maverick as a single mom while he has been off serving our country on the USS NIMITZ.  Yet, Jalen has been so strong!  She is an amazing mother and loyal wife.  Nathan has missed his family so much!  I can't imagine leaving your child when he is almost 6 months old and not seeing him again until he is 15 months.  Missing his first steps and his first birthday among so many other firsts.  Our military families sacrifice so much for the freedom of our country.  It makes me so proud of Jalen and Nathan's service! 
Jalen made the cutest sign for Nathan's homecoming!



He's HOME!!!!

Their 2nd first kiss.  This picture couldn't be more perfect! 

A family reunited!  Yes, I stare at this picture for hours.  Yes, it is framed in my house.  Yes, it will be something that Maverick will share with his children and grandchildren.  A picture for the ages.