Seattle Christmas

It was different, but in a good way.  This year we left behind our Southern California family and headed to cooler temperatures to spend Christmas with our Pacific Northwest family.

Two things I recommend when traveling with three children. Fly Jet Blue and always bring Aunt Kelsey.

TV's, unlimited snacks and a 1:1 child to adult ratio.

 {"I'm flying, this is amazing!"}

Rather than intruding on family the first night we stayed in the city. Making time to eat at our favorite oyster bar and play tourists.

{hotel shenanigans}

{Best espresso place ever. Ever.}

On Christmas Eve we headed to Grandmom and Grandad's house in Camano Island. At the risk of sounding dramatic it felt like the kind of magic that Christmas movies evoke. A fire, a ham, a home packed to the gills with family young and old and laughter, lots of laughter.

After too much pumpkin pie and See's candy we loaded up and went to stay the night with Drake's cousin Julie. Her and her family are always gracious hosts to our family when we are in Washington. We spent a lazy Christmas day in pj's drinking multiple pots of coffee while the kids disappeared to play. The smoked turkey we had for dinner that night was so good that second helpings were mandatory and the lingering after dinner conversation was icing on the cake.

Yes, this year was different. We didn't eat oyster stew with my family, we didn't open presents on Christmas morning, there were no cinnamon rolls with Grammy and no driving around on Christmas Eve to look at lights. However, we also didn't run all over the place in our best attempt to give both sides of our family's equal holiday time. We stayed inside all day and slowly transitioned from drinking coffee to wine without changing out of our pajamas. It was nice and refreshing. I did miss seeing my family, but I did not miss the meltdowns and overstimulation. Moving forward I hope to tone down next Christmas a bit. Keep the spirit alive, but implement the low-key lazy vibe here at home.

After all, it's not about the gifts and the lights, it's about the birth Christ and being with the people you love most. And oh how I love these people most.

And one more thing...Sammy's favorite part of the trip was getting acquainted with baby Grant...

...well acquainted...

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Holiday Cheer

December in Southern California looks a little different than most parts of the country...and I'm not complaining.

Since baby Jesus loves the beach and we love the feel of the sand in our toes, we headed down to the shore to help pass the time till Drake flies home tonight. I swear the salty air has healing powers.

In the hustle and bustle of this season it felt so good to be down there with just my kids. We occasionally saw a random surfer or a couple strolling by, but for the most part it was just us down by the shore. Clothes got wet and stripped off (Sammy), sand angels were made and the sun warmed our skin. It felt so good, so nourishing to my soul to watch them roam free on His beautiful creation and remember the true reason we celebrate this month. Praying you all are having a merry season thus far and are mindful of the greatest gift that has ever been given...

Thanksgiving Post: Better Late Than Never (an official Kellas motto)

First, I watched my beautiful freckle nosed Pilgrim sing with pride about our blessed country.

Then I heard my little towheaded Pilgrim declare his thankfulness to God.

A couple days later I took all three of our kiddos to the zoo while Daddy was hard at work for us.

My heart was ready for Thanksgiving. I have much to be thankful for indeed.

Our annual post-Thanksgiving tea didn't disappoint either...especially since we were all still flying high from a certain engagement that happened the night before. 

Yay!!!!

We are now in the thick of the Christmas season. Tree decorated, lights up and we are huddled under our Christmas quilt every night. Shopping is almost done and a cookie exchange is on the horizon, but the resounding message the kids and I keep talking about is this; we already have the gift. Christ was already born and He already conquered sin for us. We have the ability to love others without limits and call on His Holy Spirit when we are weak or tempted. Praise be to God that He sent His Son. Let's truly celebrate that!!!