Christmas 2009

Grace's first Christmas was a whirlwind! We visited Grandma and Grandpa Swierenga in Chicago first. We spent about four days relaxing, visiting with friends and family and celebrating Christmas. We even took a trip to see Santa. Grace fell asleep in line and woke up just in time to sit on Santa's lap. Grace was spoiled rotten with a new rocking horse from Grandma and Grandpa named Dixie, complete with clomping and neighing noises, and a "piano" from Auntie Anna and Auntie Kelly. We drove back to GR with lots of rain and sleet on Christmas Eve.

One Christmas Day we went to Mammy and Buppa's house for brunch. We had a great time eating, relaxing, opening gifts and spending time with family. Grace loves playing with her cousins Leo and Elin. Grace got a fun cart that she can sit on or stand up and push from Mammy and Buppa.

Leading up to Christmas can be quite stressful with a child and the expectations that we put on ourselves as parents. But during the week of Christmas but we had many sweet moments with Grace, our families and each other. Sara had a whole week off from work the week of Christmas which was very much needed. It was a chance to reflect on the birth of Jesus and contemplate the real reason for the holiday. It is so easy to get caught up in the material aspect of Christmas but we have so much to be thankful for and give praise about.