Christmas and cousins

Christmas came and went and in a way was a little overshadowed.  Earlier in the year, the kids had agreed to swap a trip to Disneyland for birthday parties and their big Santa present.  So, as Christmas neared, we kept reminding them and they all seemed to still be ok with the idea.  Between moving the store, having Ron gone more than usual, and a little less under the tree, Christmas morning came with a few gifts meaning more than ever before.  The most anticipated were the 6 mismatched, wrapped presents under the tree from their cousins.  Sam kept trying to figure out what Trevor could have possibly thought of, Maggie was sure she could guess, and we all wondered what Nick could possibly have managed for Zach.  The morning came and individual cousin presents were what they all wanted to open first.  Each gift was treasured.  Han Solo was given to Casey to try and bribe a switch of allegiances, not sure it worked or not, but Han is now part of the Clone Wars figurine mix.  We all got a good laugh when Sam read the note from Trevor attched to the Mountain Dew chapstick.  We got to hear some awful jokes from Zach, and Maggie and Jill colored and painted nails later in the day.  But, one of the best pictures of the morning was this one of Anna snuggled and content with her lovable cuddly from our new Hannah.  What would we do without cousins?  Being so far away has really made us all appreciate every one of them more.  They are each amazing individuals with strong standards and goals.  We have so many fun memories of Sunday cereal, Wii playing, beach trips, weddings, Christmases, birthdays, shopping, baptisms, and lots of laughter.  I am so grateful for each one of my nieces and nephews and the examples they have set for my family of 6.  We really could not ask for anything more.  So, thanks guys for making our Christmas morning a treat.