Christmas Time...

Christmas was different this year..it was our first year to not be together as a family. It was not the same without Jason home and it wasn't the same without all of our families being together, but we were so glad the my parents came out to celebrate with me and Riley!

We picked them up at the airport and headed into San Francisco to check out all the Christmas decor and it was awesome!

Check out all those wreaths...not to mention the 5 story Macy's!

They had a big beautiful tree in Union Square and an ice skating rink!

Riley was ecstatic to have Grammie and JoePa in town!

The girls!

After walking around we found a great restaurant and had a fabulous dinner!

Christmas Eve we had a relaxing morning and went on a long walk with the doggies and that afternoon we headed to church to celebrate the REAL reason for the season!

After church we went to have dinner with a large group of friends...celebrating Christmas and our friend Mike's birthday...it was a lot of fun and Riley was the only kid but had a blast entertaining everyone!

When we got home she got to open a special present from JoePa...some beautiful earrings from James Avery! When she's not so fearful about changing out her earrings we'll put them in!

She also had to write Santa a letter...

and put some cookies and milk out for Santa!

After she was soundly sleeping Santa came and put her special presents out! Back in October we were strolling through the BX and made the mistake of walking by the toy section...there was a FurReal pet dog on an end cap and Riley literally had a full blown temper tantrum because we wouldn't buy it for her right then...I told her she had a birthday and Christmas coming up and maybe she could ask for one. EVER since that day the only thing she has asked for is "a doggie and a leash"...so guess what Santa brought her?

We had the best present ever being that Jason was able to video chat most of Christmas morning and he woke me up before Riley even did! He got to watch her awe and wonder as she strolled into the living room to find her presents and then he got to watch for the next hour or so as she opened her presents...it was GREAT!

She loved her doggie and a leash and named her Macy!

There were lots of presents to be opened and fun goodies in her stocking as well!

A whole box of dress up clothes and wigs provided us all with lots of entertainment!

After all the present opening we dove into the Pioneer Woman Cinnamon rolls...they were delish!

For Christmas Dinner we headed to the Havird's house and feasted with great Air Force family friends!

Merry Christmas!