Merry Christmas...and some pictures

Well, my camera is yet to be found. Really I need to do an all out search for it but we've been having so much fun I just haven't yet. We had a wonderful Christmas...and it's not even over yet. Last night we had our traditional Cajun Chicken Pasta and it was delish as usual. :) Then we got Dixie ready for bed, read a few stories and finished the reading off with the Christmas Story in Luke. Dixie paid attention for about 45 seconds. Then we sang some songs and that was fun. We each picked one. We ended with Silent Night and said prayers and put Dixie to bed. Jackson, Paul and I then played an epic 4 hour Runebound game. We let Jackson stay up late since it was Christmas.

I have to say that being a parent is so much fun at Christmas time. And it gets better every year. Now Dixie is understanding more about gifts. We spent the week opening a present each day which was a new movie and she loved that. We had so much fun shopping for them and thinking of what they would enjoy. We also enjoy doing that for each other. But it was so fun moving the gifts from the mantel to set up for the morning. We keep the presents high so Dixie doesn't get at them before she should.

Dixie actually woke us all up this morning at 6:15. Jackson wasn't really ready to get up due to the late night, but was excited to get going on presents. And it was a blast to see them open everything. Fun to open our own gifts but even more fun to hear the cheering and Wows and all that. We made a complete mess but it was totally worth it. Favorite gifts I think for each was Jackson: Beyblades hands down. He got 6 total and was so excited. Dixie: Changes every minute as she rushes to play with something new. She got a few books she loves, blocks and buses. Mom: a new Wok...can't wait to try some Chinese cooking. Dad: too many favorites to count but maybe the miniatures that Jackson and Dixie picked out for him to put together and paint. We loved the family time and being together and seeing the children excited.

We went to church with Grandma and Grandpa McBee since they had church at 10am rather than our 1pm. We got to borrow their camera and finally take a family picture. I haven't been in a picture for a long time and I guess my weight shows more than I'd like, but you know...that's life. But finally got some Christmas cards ordered so don't be surprised if you get yours in a few weeks. :) We'll do better next year.

Jackson had to be back to his mom's by 1pm. It was hard to see him go, but we're sure he's having a great time there as well. He'll head back to Brazil soon and be back to live here again in July. This was such a wonderful visit with him. He's really growing up and seeing him and Dixie together is so much fun. Makes us more and more excited for another little one in the house. We love him so much and are grateful he's in our life.

We had a nice family nap this afternoon and it's just been nice to hang out and not feel rushed at all with anything. We're excited to try out some new games we got for Christmas and just spend the time together. I think that's been the best about this year. We've spent so much quality time together building our family relationships.

We are so grateful for this time of the year. Remembering the birth of our Lord and Savior is central to the Season for us. We are so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We continue to build our relationship with him as well as our testimonies of Him. We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!

Here are some pictures from today as well as some oldies found on Grandma and Grandpa's camera from the summer.

Dixie at Grandma and Grandpa McBee's House checking out their tree

Our handsome Jackson (he was really bugged he had to take this...)

The family

Our cute kids

Seth, Jackson and Tyler

(the boy cousins all about the same age)

Jackson and Seth this summer

Jackson from the summer

Jackson and Dixie sliding

So Much To Catch Up On

Well I have lost my camera...thus there will be no pictures. But in case you were wondering...yes the McBee's are still alive and well. Jackson is back visiting from Brazil and we've LOVED having him here. We've been able to play at least one board game a day and Paul is loving life.
We had a fabulous Thanksgiving this year. We decided to try it out with just the 3 of us. And honestly it was so nice. My first Turkey was okay. Not fabulous but edible. :) We could just hang and take our time. It was a lot of work but well worth it. And it helps that I like to cook.
Work has been a bit trying for me lately with a lot of different employee issues that we don't normally have. It's hard to know what the right thing to do is.
Dixie is no longer a baby. She is really becoming a little girl. She loves shoes, treats and being silly. She's starting to make some choices as far as clothes go and I think she likes the freedom. She surprises us each day saying new words and even some phrases. I love seeing her grow up. She has a lot of my personality and so we clash at times but we've had some great girl outings and that has helped us.
She loves having her brother around. When we picked him up she wouldn't even look at him, let alone touch him. Halfway home, she gave him a five and then covered her mouth with both hands all embarrassed. When she wakes up now it's not just Mommy and Daddy she calls for but Jackson as well. We really are having so much fun with Jackson it will be hard to see him go for another 7 months.
We have yet to send out Christmas cards...yes I know it's December 23...but I need a family picture to include. So I guess I really should find that dang camera. So plan on some cards some time next year probably!
There's the update. Oh and we picked a name for the baby. Grace or Gracie as we'll call her. We had another ultrasound done on Monday because the tech had missed shots of her brain and I had to have her check just one more time that it was a girl...and yes it is a girl. :) We're excited for Dixie to have a sister. Sisters are important and I love both of mine. It will be good for her to have a playmate and learn some lessons about sharing. She's had a tough time with Jackson and sharing. She's learned the word MINE and seems to think everything is hers.
We love you all and miss you all. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Spend time with those you love and let them know how much you love them.