Christmas 2014 - Harris Family

We enjoyed time together as a family at my Granny's house even if it was different this year. Through the tears there was laughter and through the sadness there was joy. We were exactly where my Pawpaw would have wanted us to be. Together.

Christmas 2014: Ashley Family

Christmas was hard this year for reasons I've already explained in my last post. We were sad, but still had much to be happy about. We wanted to keep it simple, but also special for the kids and made every effort to do so. It was a delicate balance.

We normally go to my Memaw's church on Christmas Eve, but it wouldn't feel the same without her there. My Pawpaw always called Christmas morning to see what all the kids received and then they would come to have steak dinner with us at my parents. It just felt like something was missing. Because they were.

Mom and I pushed through and wrapped and prepared into the wee hours of the morning only to wake up to Hayden with the flu. I knew he was sick when he didn't even want to come downstairs. We opened a few presents Christmas morning and then postponed the festivities with the rest of my family a couple of days to avoid spreading the flu. I usually have a sick kid every holiday, but this time it was a little more heartbreaking.

The good news is Christmas isn't about presents and we still had hope in the one we were meant to celebrate that day. We made the most of it! I love these people.

 This is what the flu looks like on Christmas morning. :(

 Hello Kitty was a big hit for Harley!

 He did get excited about his Captain Underpants books! Boy humor. 

 All the grandkids. Harley came down with the flu also which would explain the look on her face.

 Hudson LOVES Bucees!Yes, the over sized convenience store.  He was excited about his Bucee accessories.

 My brother being the dork that he is.

 The ladies of the fam.

 Making reindeer marshmallows.

 Sweet face!