Christmas

Comparing this years Christmas with last years I would have to say that this time was MUCH better. With Adeline happy, healthy and sleeping through the night I was able to thoroughly enjoy the holiday. James got out of work early on Christmas Eve and had the day after Christmas off which allowed us to travel together.
We went to Grandpa and Grandma Forte's house for Christmas Eve. This year it was especially nice because we had a full house. Uncle Steve was there, cousin Adam with his girlfriend Lana and their daughter Cadence(who is just 5 days older than Adeline), cousin Katy with her boyfriend Isaac and his son Danny, John and his NEW girlfriend Candy, and of course my Dad. We had a huge dinner, spent time talking, laughing and enjoyed watching the girls interact. Adeline was dressed in a very special dress that Uncle John purchased for her. She looked SOOOO CUTE!!!
Christmas day was spent with the Bean family in Olivet. We enjoyed a relaxing morning with coffee cake and an entertaining Adeline. Once Josh and Bethany arrived in the afternoon we sat around the fireplace, listened to a reading of Jesus birth(one from Luke and another special version with Adeline), and opened presents. Adeline did great. She especially liked Uncle Josh and Aunt Bethany's presents that had balloons all over them. They kept her busy. Four hours later we enjoyed a wonderful dinner that Adeline devoured and finished with a family movie.
The day after James, Adeline and I went back to my Grand Parents house to see them, John and my sister Aleisha with Michael. Michael is so cute. (I really think he should be in some contest) He was sure to watch over Adeline (or as he calls her "baby") and make sure she wasn't doing anything she shouldn't. Michael also instructed her to sit down (which she did) and read a story with him. Story time didn't last long but Michael was persistent. They also got in a couple of tug-of-war fights over toys or keys. Two strong-willed personalities in the same room kept Aleisha and I very busy.
I was also able to enjoy some quality time with a few friends. There are many parts of back home that I really miss. When we all get together it is hard not to look back and think of how it used to be. I miss it. BUT (Muskegon friends), I am also encouraged by the many relationships James and I have been able to invest in here. We have been very blessed with good friendships.
Friday evening James drove back to Olivet for a Christmas dinner with Aunt Bobbie and Aunt Bev. We met at the Olive Garden (my earthly heaven, isn't your mouth watering now), enjoyed a wonderful dinner and great conversation. We had a whole section to ourselves that we blocked off so Adeline could run around . Adeline after already eating dinner before we left, ate 2 bread sticks, some Manacotti, and a lemon.
All in all it was a wonderful Christmas. We got to see and spend quality time with all of our family and also some time with great friends. Good Memories.