I was able to go home for about two weeks for Christmas and New Year's. It was sooo nice to be at home and spend time with family, friends, and loved ones. My sister Ginette who lives in Florida was able to come up for a week with her husband, Ken, and dog, Spike. It was such a wonderful time, and I am so blessed. We all are blessed, because of the greatest gift ever given… Christ, as a sacrifice for our sins. I hope that you kept Christ in CHRISTmas.
My Favorite Christmas Gift
Ryan's Favorite Christmas Gift ;-)
I got home Wednesday night, and hung out with Ryan. We got up early and went shopping in Johnstown all day Thursday. I made it home just in time to be there when Brooke, who did not know Ginette was coming, was surprised by Spike. At first, she thought she got a puppy that looked like Spike, and then she realized Ginette and Ken were home. Friday night, we went out to Chris and Shannon’s for poker. I don’t play, but I got to hold Camryn all night (while continuously moving, because the child does not like to stay still).
Santa Spike
A surprised Brooke
Ginette and Spike
Poker Night
Me and Camryn and Poker Night
CHRISTMAS EVE
Christmas Eve, we had dinner at my house and exchanged gifts. It was so nice to have us three sisters together again at Christmas. After we were done opening gifts, Ryan and I went out to his house for their Christmas Eve celebration. It was a wonderful evening with the fam. After everyone left, Ryan and I exchanged gifts. He got me a beautiful diamond cross pendant (among other things). He was a good shopper!
Christmas Tree light up
Us Girls
Ryan and Me
Christmas Eve Dinner At My House
Ken
Spike Opening Gifts
Dad Opening Gifts
Christmas Eve out at Ryans
Hannah, Hayden, and Me
Hannah and Hayden opening gifts
Ryan and Hayden
Of course... the boys playing Halo CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas Morning we always go watch Brooke open her gifts first. After that, we went back to the house and opened our gifts!!! Then off to church we went. After church, I went to Ryan’s family Christmas dinner. Mmmm.. such good food and company. After that, Ryan and I went to my house and had supper, and then went to Church for the singspiration. Following church, we went to Alison’s house to hang out a bit with the family, and we watched Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Christmas Tree
Christmas Morning at Alisons
Mom and Dad opening gifts
The Present Terror Spike
Brooke with her Roethlisberger Jersey
Brooke with her Ward Jersey
Mom, Dad, Spike, and Ken
Ken's Truck
Christmas Morning at my house
The pretty decorations
My dad and me
Rubert and me
Rubert and Ryan
Christmas Dinner
Camryn and Shannon
Ryan and Me
Allen getting fresh with Linda
Allen kissing Linda
Kelsi holding Camryn
The boys napping
Linda and Shannon
Linda and Camryn
Ryan and Camryn
Mom Singing
Brooke Singing
Alison Singing
Sherrie, Mom, and Me singing
Brooke with her ski stuff on
Alison and Brooke in their ski helmets
Post Christmas Activities
The day after Christmas, we went shopping ALL day. It was fun, but tiring. I got more stuff that I didn’t really need. We ate brunch at King’s, where Brooke got an awesome “Frownie” mask! The next day, Ryan and I went fishing for a little while, then I went with Linda to watch him coach wrestling. I also got to watch two of my cousins, Matt and Corey Aungst, wrestle. On Wednesday, two of the boys’ friends from UPJ came to visit (Brian and Scotty). We went to Laurie and Todd’s that night to finish up the Christmas leftovers. It was another great night of good food and great company. We then went to the movies to see “The Ringer.” It was a funny movie with a good message, and Johnny Knoxville is hilarious.
Brooke is excited about shopping
Alison and I shopping
Brooke disguised as a "Frownie" and Ginette
Ryan Fishing
So Pretty
Ryan And Brandon Coaching
Ryan getting into it
Corey wrestling
Matt wrestling
The boys
Ryan and Me
Allen and Camryn
Me and Camryn
Me and Hayden
Eating the leftovers
The boys at the movies
Game NightThursday night, we had game night at my house, which was not surprisingly filled with laughter. First we played Balderdash, then things got really interesting when we broke out “Guestures.” The teams were the males against the females. Of course the females came out on top, but the boys put up a valiant effort. I couldn’t believe how much they got into it. And, I was pleasantly surprised by their acting ability, especially of my man’s! Things got a little out of hand a few times when shirts came off and my dad got frisked… hehe, but it was awesome! We then ended the night with some catch phrase. After everyone else left, Cyndi, Christi, Jenna, and I did our ornament exchange. I got such cute ones… thanks girls!
Adam
Alison... not quite sure what that is..
Alison.... Opera singer???
Brandon... Choking??
Brian
Brooke... frightened??
Brooke
Christi and Cyndi
Christi
Christi, Cyndi, and Jenna
Cliff and Jess
Cyndi... surprised???
Dad and Brooke
Jenna
Jenna
Me
Mom... 9??
Mom
Ryan... haha
They got so involved... shirts came off
Something was funny
Me and Ryan concentrating
Ryan, Scotty, and Adam
Scotty... playing a trumpet??
The boys
Earlier Thrusday, my parents, my sisters, Brooke, and me all went to lunch, since it was Ginette’s last day home. It was nice just being the five of us again (plus Brooke). I miss them all!
Ginette and Brooke
Mom and Dad
Ginette, Alison, and Me
Friday, we just hung out, and Ryan decided to do some cleaning… haha. Mmmm, but he looks good doing it! Then, Ryan and I went to Altoona to do a little shopping and to go to “Lights on the Lake” at Lakemont. It was a wonderful evening.
Ryan Cleaning
Lights on the Lake
Santa and the reindeer pumping iron
Me at the lights
Ryan at the lights
So pretty...
Awesome trees
I love Christmas and Christmas decorations