Christmas and New Years at Stone Hill

Christmas was magical this year at my parent's home in Sparks. Everyone of my siblings were there along with their families. Mom and Dad made it very special for all of us. Each family had their own room with their own tree decorated with the colors and decorations of their weddings/ receptions. So our tree had pears all over it...those of you who were there may remember the corny but cute "Perfect Pair" theme (wow, we were really cheesily in love). It was so nice to have our own little tree to put gifts under.

In the morning we each had our own little Christmas with our children then we all met upstairs for the Anderson Family Christmas festivities. Laurel and Maisy seemed to enjoy themselves...their favorite part? The bows and wrapping of course. They got some new plates, cups, utensils and bowls, Christmas dresses and pajamas and bibs. When we got upstairs, Grandpa Anderson had written a story about how all of the grand kids turned into animals...Laurel and Maisy turned into rabbits, a brown one and a gray one. At the end of the story, they each got a stuffed bunny.


Above is a picture of mostly everyone that morning. Jordan and Ruth gave Mom and Dad the best gift of all...the announcement that they are expecting in August!! We're crossing our fingers for a girl cousin for our little Norah (this is what we are planning on naming our little girl who is coming in SIX WEEKS!!!)

Nigel was such a good little helper. Here he is getting ready for our New Years celebrations.

Jeff's birthday is on New Years Eve so we celebrated both! We had a great time eating and playing with Ruth's family, the Garcia's. Ruth's Dad Rudolpho (you can see him peeking over the couch in the bottom picture) was in a very serious car accident a few months ago...we felt so privileged to celebrate with him there...he is so special to all of us. Ruth's cute little sisters Esther and Raquelita got to spend the night! We had tons of fun with these two. They are such sweet girls...always smiling and happy.

Everyone left on Thursday so we had Stone Hill and my parents all to ourselves on Friday and Saturday...it was so nice to have that time there. We really got some good R&R. Thanks again Mom and Dad!