Abundance...

That's the word that seems to sum it up best. We had a wonderful Christmas this year, filled with family, and adventure, and lots of love. And presents... lots of presents. And really, the fun isn't over yet, we're heading out of town this weekend to celebrate with Nathan's mom. Truth be told, I just noticed today that there are forgotten gifts for the kids hidden behind our tree. I'd stashed them away before we left town and completely forgot they were there! Usually, our kids don't get many new things. They tend to gravitate toward one toy at a time, so it's not uncommon for us to stash away birthday gifts and dole them out a little at a time throughout the year. If we didn't, I'm afraid some really cool things might drift to the bottom of the toy bin. We live in such a culture of consumerism and excess... it's a difficult beast to wrangle. And with Tatum's 2nd birthday a week away... the beast is looming around every corner.

This year, we took our first official road-trip since adding our little miss and mister to the mix. We drove to Colorado to stay with my brother and sister-in-law. It's a drive Nathan and I made many times sans kiddos. I'm happy to say, it was absolutely wonderful. Having flown to California twice this year, and landing with my sanity hanging by a thread, I have to admit I wasn't all too optimistic about it. The kids were absolute rockstars. The loved it. Who knew!?!

Before we left, Nathan took the kids to his dad's house to celebrate, while I stayed home to get ready for the trip. This is Trevor on the way there... he had no idea opening presents was in his future... this is just how excited he gets when going to Grammy and Pa-Pa's house.

Tatum in heaven... a trunk-load of dress up clothes.

And then the trip began... here they are in our driveway. Can I just say how in love I am with our "Swagger wagon?" Say what you will about the minivan...but that vehicle is a thing of beauty, especially when travelling with toddlers. We moved the car seats to the "way back" so they'd have the best view of the DVD player. We took out one of the middle-row seats to give our dog room to roam, which allowed for easy diaper changes at rest stops. Love that van.

The best scenery on any road trip...

Midway through the second day, and Mommy and Daddy are still smiling (while taking self portrait while driving down the road).

The Garden of the god's in Colorado Springs proved to be a well-timed oasis.

See how far away Tatum and I are in this picture? That's pretty much the only way this little guy would be standing here... Daddies are more daring that Mommies.

We arrived at my brother's beautiful house and were greeted by his beautiful wife and their three snuggly pugs. Tatum had cereal with Daddy...

Watching some cartoons with their uncle Bryan...

Alas, Christmas morning came. All Trevor has talked about since seeing the movie "The Polar Express" has been the train Santa was bringing him. Our efforts at pictures with Santa this year went so miserably that we didn't wind up with a single photo. While his sister was running sprints down the mall corridors to get away from Santa, Trevor hung in there long enough to turn toward Santa, with clenched fists and iron will, to tell him he wanted "A polar express train" for Christmas. Santa chose not to spring for the $100 replica, instead he went with the Fisher Price version. Our boy was in absolute heaven. He's slept with that little train ever since.

Cuddles with Uncle Bry...

Goliath was in Doggy-heaven too. He had three doggy cousins to play with during our trip. His aunt Keli dressed him in the cutest Christmas collar ever. Side note: As you can tell, he's getting along swimmingly well with his pirate-eye.

The trip home went as well as the trip out. Actually, I guess you could say it went better, because we were able to make it all the way home non-stop. Once we arrived, Tatum made herself right at home...
Who am I kidding? This is how she dressed practically the entire time we were in Colorado.