December 25th, 2017

Merry Christmas!! 🎄

On Christmas morning my family has always opened presents as soon as we wake up. Over the years, that time has progressively gotten later and later (lol). Mike and I headed over to my family's place and about an hour or so later we all gathered around in the living room and exchanged gifts. My parents got me all kinds of cute clothes, and even my brothers found some stuff that was definitely "me". Mitch bought me a new Tangled phone case that I absolutely adore.



After presents everyone helped clean up before we all headed off to do separate things. My brothers showered and such while my mom and dad were preparing food for later. Mike and I were super worn out from the last two days of festivities, so we happily took advantage of the free time to kick back and relax. We snuggled up in some warm blankets on the couch in the basement and put the TV on.

Before long, all of the boys plus both of the dogs had also gravitated downstairs as well. The boys all started playing some games on X-box together, while I cuddled with my big furball Sookie. It was so cozy with everyone together on the couch, plus the blankets, so it wasn't long before I passed out for a nice nap.





I was woken up when dinner was ready—and just in time, because I had quite the appetite when I awoke! My Grama had just arrived and immediately wanted to see my gorgeous ring. :) I always love seeming her and it was very nice to catch up and just chat for awhile.



Once everyone was full we headed downstairs for presents. The Donahue family couldn't make it over this year unfortunately but they still sent over presents with my Grama. Again, I got some nice stuff from my relatives. My Grama loved the birthday gift and Christmas gift Mike and I had gotten her, so I was happy!

Shortly after presents, my cousin Raymond and his wife Alyssa showed up with their new baby Joseph! I was very excited, because I had yet to see Joseph and he's the very first baby cousin on my mom's side of the family. He was so precious! But what was even sweeter was seeing my Grama gushing over her great-grandson. It's her very first, so she's totally nuts for him. :)



My other cousin William ended up coming over too, so it was nice to have family over that I don't see too often. We all got to catch up and overall just has a really nice time together.

Although there seemed to be a change of plans at every corner this Christmas season, I am very happy with how everything turned out. After so much chaos and running around the last two days, it was so nice to have a more laidback Christmas. All that really mattered to me was getting to spend time with my loved ones—not an eventful, extravagant night—so today was honestly just perfect. I love my family so very much!