A Happy Christmas

As I sit to write and reflect on our Christmas celebration, I can't help feel an overwhelming feeling of joy and peace. This Christmas could have brought on such different feelings - sadness, loss.  We had a truly wonderful Christmas. Santa was very good to all of us! 

 We went back to Missoula to spend a few days before Christmas with our family and friends.

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 We met my dear friend Katie and her beautiful daughter Ava for lunch. Addi had a blast following Ava around as she explored the floor of the restaurant. Addi even suggested we trade Landon for Ava! She's more fun!

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We spent our first night in town with our Dave and Em. I made chili and we had a quiet, special evening opening presents and celebrating life's gifts that make the harder stuff worth it.

Em and Addi building a bear!

Love me a Dave & Dylan!

Cozy and ready for bed!

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We visited our friends Ember, Ella and Will.

Landon, 5 months. Will, 7 months!

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The Terry clan (most of us anyway) met at Grandpa Dave's for a pizza party. Cousin Megan was visiting from Flordia. I was a great afternoon full of family, laughter, Grandpa saying, "That reminds me of a story!", lots of cuddling with Landon and crazy cousin fun. It was so great to see Megan and visit with Lena before she heads to England to study abroad this next semester. We sure did miss Sara & Ellie, the Smith's, Uncle Roger and the OK Terry's. 

Great-Grandpa

Grandma & Landon

Addi looks up to Lena so much. I can think of no one better to be Addi's role model!

Brother sandwich!

Most of us!

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We spent our second night at Grandma & Grandpa Powell's. We ate ribs, opened gifts, played Sequence and watch a movie. 

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Addi, Landon and I visited my cousin Nick, his wife Kara and their kiddos!

Peyton (Nate's daughter), Quintan & Alyx (Nick's kids), Addi & Landon

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We spent our third night in Missoula at my dad's house. Granny came over and I made a ham. We had a great time playing, opening presents and celebrating Papa's birthday.

Great Granny

Addi stacked her gifts from Auntie Sara!

Papa excited for his new targets!

Addi & Papa putting together her vanity.

Talking with Papa.

Papa's Christmas tree!

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We drove back to Helena Christmas Eve and spent a quiet, relaxing Christmas at home. 

Big sister love! Playing in his bouncy horse, Blue!

Using her new Easy Bake oven, from Auntie, to bake Santa a cupcake!

Christmas Eve.

Blue-Eyed Elf

Getting Santa's treats ready.

Playing board games. Christmas Eve.

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On Christmas morning we had to wake Addi at 9 am! She is the only kid in the world who has to get dressed and get her hair fixed before she opens her gifts! Dylan spoiled me with a ton of climbing gear! I can hardly wait for spring to get here so I can get onto those rocks!

Loving Blue the bouncy horse!

Modeling her new long underwear and chalk bag!

Little Ballerina Princess!

Happy Christmas Dreams!