Uncle David was in town for Christmas!!  We LOVE having him in town!!!  While he was here, Papi, Uncle David, and Grandpa went to tour the new Dallas Cowboy’s Stadium.  After that we, sadly, had to take him to the airport.  We can’t wait to see him again soon!!

I love Christmas!!  And even more, I love Christmas traditions!!  But when your husband is a fireman, and doesn’t have the same schedule as a normal family, you make your own Christmas traditions!!  This Christmas was different than any Christmas we have ever had.  Miguel had to work on Christmas day.  That means we had to come up with a plan for Santa’s visit and opening presents.  We decided that we would wake up on Christmas Eve and go to eat breakfast at IHOP.  While we were out, our fabulous neighbor, helped Santa unload his sleigh full of goodies.  When we returned, the boys were thrilled to find out that Santa has visited early.  He even wrote them personal notes along with dropping off presents and filling their stockings.  Both boys wanted a Nintendo D.S…..Santa hooked them up!!!  After opening Santa’s presents, we told the  boys that since Papi had to work Christmas Day, we were going to open presents a day early…..they were EXCITED!!!  After opening presents, we went to pick Uncle David up at the airport (Mommy’s present…YEAH!!!).  We then drove to Waxahachie because all of the family (Papi’s and Mommy’s) were going to get together and open presents. Papi’s grandma (Vis Lila) is in town from Puerto Rico so we got to spend the Christmas holidays with her!!  What a gift!!  After opening presents, then it was off to the Gonzalez family Christmas where we played with cousins, talked, asked like fools, and ate WAAAAY too much!!  Christmas day was more laid back.  With Papi at the fire station, we went to church and then headed to Waxahachie for Christmas lunch at Grandpa and Grandma’s house.  We spent the rest of the day playing the wii, talking, and napping!!!

As for traditions, there are lots of things we didn’t get to do this year.  We didn’t do our annual “Polar Express popcorn and hot chocolate night,” we haven’t went to look at Christmas lights, and we didn’t read The Night Before Christmas before the boys went to bed.  However, with all the things that have happened this year, there was a time when I didn’t think our family would even be together at Christmas or Christmas Eve.  So, I guess I learned a LITTLE patience this year and to cut myself a little slack.  I’ve learned that sometimes traditions are less important than actually being together.  And most importantly, I’ve learned that family is MOST important!!!

Please enjoy our little family’s photos!!  God bless you and your family!!!