Northwest Christmas.

I'm looking through all of these photos from Christmas in the Northwest & thinking how much older West already looks. He's a new boy every couple of weeks! And Quinn - I can't get over his grin. He basically smiled & laughed for a week straight while we were in Washington. After our time at the cabin last summer & this trip, it's official that he's happiest there. 

I've been sorting through all of the photos for a few weeks now, trying to figure out how I wanted to record our holiday. On an absolute basis, there were a lot of happy memories made, & we had a good trip. The boys both did incredibly well on our flights there & back, & I didn't lose it when a flight attended - who has nephews! - asked that I give West a binky when he was fussy for a few minutes on our decent into Denver (really?! what a genius idea - if only he took one). Both slept relatively well most of the trip (it always disintegrates towards the end though, doesn't it?), West napped & no one got sick. However, it would probably be a bit disingenuous to talk about how it was a perfect, wonderful Christmas when  the reality is that our family experienced some incredibly sad circumstances, serious heartbreak & things that just aren't for the Internet. Sometimes real life smacks you right in the face.

But - it was Christmas, & Christmas for us is about love (for God, for others), & family. Neither of those things were lost amidst the sad things going on, & I felt re-committed to both as I flew back to Houston. There were some really happy things that happened amidst the not-so-great, & that's what I'm taking away from Christmas 2012. I had a refresher course in a few life lessons, & I'm so grateful for those reminders. Mostly, I came away with a profound gratitude for my parents & family. They're good people, & together, as a cohesive bunch - I think we're at our very best. We're a diverse group, all imperfect, & some closer than others at various times, but I love my siblings & respect each one of them so very much. I really like who we're turning into as we grow up. I also know without a doubt that we will always be there for each other. To say this is anything but a cliché, because when you see it in practice during those moments that really count - it's amazing.  

We spent a few days at my parent's house & some good time up at the cabin in the snow. Seeing Quinn running around all week was so great. He was surrounded by constant attention, endless opportunities for fun & friends in the form of aunts, uncles & the sweetest cousins. Parker & Ellie basically mothered him all week & he points at their photo on our wall at home every day now with a smile - Parker!! Ellie!! They're both so good with him - old enough now that they think he's cute instead of annoying, & can help & be patient with him. Quinn loved having aunts & uncles around at all times, laughed hysterically with Christopher every time they were in the same room & was on Tara's lap much of the week. He was adventurous in the snow, loved riding in Grandpa's truck & showed no fear when sledding behind it. I was surprised about these last three things, given that any temperatures below 70˚ have made him cringe for the last year.

The cabin is generally just as it appears to be - magical & idyllic, especially in the winter when covered in snow. Being up there is a beautiful, simple reminder that it is so important to slow down & breathe fresh air - & to hold on tightly to family, because those relationships are core. That's what this is all about. Our relationships with those closest to us, because when life gets hard, you pull those that are close to you even closer. I'm grateful for mine.

The first photo is a gift from friend Noelle this year, & I just really love it. With December being a month of sad events in the news & challenges at home, I've thought about this Christmas hymn often - 

And in despair I bowed my head:

"There is no peace on earth," I said,

"For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men."

(Christmas videos here & here)