Belated Christmas Post

I have been meaning to post about our Christmas and New Year's since we returned from Texas a few weeks ago! Austin and I were spending as much time together as possible because we knew he would be leaving this week for JRTC (a training camp) for a month. We had a wonderful holiday together and with our families. We drove the 12 hours into Dallas and spent time with Dr. and Mrs. Vann (Austin's parents) and also with Aaron and Kim (brother and sis in law) and their sweet little Makennah. We enjoyed catching up with them, getting to hear Dr. Vann preach, and laughing a lot! We also got to see my sister's new and beautiful home in Fort Worth. She will be getting married on April 17th and we are so excited for her and her fiancee, Mike.

We arrived in Dallas on a Saturday and headed to Houston to visit my parents on a Tuesday. My parents had bought a Wii and let me just tell you that I don't think we have had a more fun Christmas! We played Wii until we were exhausted and were literally sore the next day. We attended a candlelight Christmas Eve service in which Austin was quite disappointed that we all didn't get our own candles--just the choir. That night we made a gingerbread house and finished wrapping presents. We spent Christmas day at my cousin, Alan and his wife, Kat's house. Kat is an amazing cook and it was gourmet and fabulous as usual! We were sad for such a short trip, but it was great. My parents gave me an amazing new camera and my sweet husband blessed me with a gorgeous new watch! We were so blessed! So that weekend we made the long (15 hour) trek back to Colorado Springs.

As much as we miss our family and friends in Texas, we could sense as we drove into the Springs, that we were home. That is a great feeling when your whole married life has been full of moving! We live in an amazing place and have already been surrounded by great friends. Which is great for me since I will spend much of my time here alone. This Christmas was even more special because it will most likely be the last one spent with my husband for 2 years. We realized this and are learning to never take our time together for granted. We felt like we were dating again and just really enjoying each other! I encourage everyone to feel like that in their marriage!


Our $10 Christmas tree we cut down from a National Forest (with a permit)



Kim and Makennah. Isn't she adorable!



Dad and Austin competing in a little Wii!



Austin and I on Christmas Eve



Me, My Mom, and My Sister on Christmas Eve



Our beautiful Gingerbread House



Our fun group on New Year's Eve. Toasting with our Sparkling Cider!