Christmas 2011

This year we celebrated Christmas 3 weekends in a row. We started with the Stoddart clan (my Mom's side) on December 11th. The following weekend we packed up our boys and stayed overnight at my Mom's to celebrate with my immediate family. My Mom & Dad always do an incredible job of making us feel special!

Santa even came early to visit at the Russell house!

We did all our Russell traditions a week early and it was wonderful! The boys were SO spoiled. Thank you Mom & Dad for everything this year; it was awesome!

On December 24th Chad & I woke up early and opened presents with our boys. Then we quickly showered and packed up the car to head to the island for Christmas with the Wakeham's.

It was a very emotional Christmas on the island. Chad's incredible Grandpa passed away this year...which left a massive void this Christmas. The 1st Christmas is never easy. In my old age I've become some what of a mush. I kept breaking down as I watched the heart break in the families eyes. It kept taking me back to my first Christmas without my Papa. Chad's Uncle Hugh organized a beautiful memorial for Gramps on Christmas Day. We all wrote letters, thoughts and prayers to Gramps on paper lanterns and then sent them off to heaven. It was a touching and beautiful sight to watch!

Opening presents on Christmas day!

This is what happens when you put silly string in a toddlers stocking. ;)

On boxing day, Chad's cousin in Edmonton gave birth to twins! Levi Raymond & Esther Lynne were born at 2 pounds 9 ounces each. They were 3 months premature. Of course I burst into tears when I found out Brooke was at the hospital. When you become a Mommy news like this is never easy to hear. Brooke and the babies are doing well. We're just praying protection over them and that they continue to gain weight. They're absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to snuggle with them!

Lots of emotion this Christmas. However, I'm so thankful we could all be together. The support of family is something I truly cherish! I love being apart of the Wakeham/Bennett clan! We always have so much fun together and make great memories.

Overall it was a wonderful Christmas! So hard to believe it's all over already.