Christmas, Part 1

I know I'm a little late in posting my Christmas update, but I still wanted to share pictures of our great holiday. This year we were with my family, and we spent the time at my parents' cabin. It was such a special year - the first holiday in the cabin, Savannah's first Christmas, and some long overdue vacation time for everybody.

I am really lucky to come from a family that genuinely enjoys hanging out. While chasing after the kiddos, playing Wii, reading, knitting, playing board games, and our favorite hobby - eating - the talking never stops. There are so many things to catch up on, and surrounded by the snow and warmed by the fire, we were in heaven.

To recount the time would take too long, and probably bore you to tears. Instead, I'm going to share far too many pictures. Bear with me, or come back another day!

Presenting: The Patrick Family Christmas

Max helping to decorate the cabin Christmas tree (we waited until we all got up there, and then the guys went out to the forest to cut one down - another Patrick family tradition):


Luke and Savannah checking out each other's snacks. It was great to see them starting to interact with each other - there are definitely fun years ahead!


My amazing brother-in-law, Alex:

My sister's beautiful family after Christmas Mass:

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is listening to my mom read The Polar Express. She's been reading it to us since we were young, and no one reads it quite as well as she does. Max fell in love with this tradition, too.


The cousins opening stocking surprises:


Our family on Christmas morning:

My sister Erin helping Savannah open Christmas presents. Savannah was content to just chew on the ribbon....

Max enjoying his new doctor's kit and costume:

Max, Alex, and Dan playing a game of "Sequence for Kids". Sequence was a big hit for all this Christmas, and Max loved having a game just like the grown-ups.

Max got this big dump truck last year for Papa for Father's Day. Luke thought that it made a wonderful place to sit:

Max enjoyed riding around the driveway, being pulled by Papa on the four-wheeler:

Max and I hanging out in the snow:


It was all wonderful - Christmas Magic, pure and simple.