Greetings and Salutations AND Happy 2013!

Like everyone else out here, I just can't believe 2013 is already here.  It just does not seem possible for 2012 to be over.  Wowzers!  They weren't lying when they said the older you get, the faster time flies.

Christmas this year was pretty darn awesome.  It was technically Josh's third Christmas but since the first one was such a blur I am going to claim it as his second.  Even though I have experienced the joy of Christmas through a little one's eyes before, for some reason it was different this year.  Josh absolutely loved every aspect of the holiday, from Baby Jesus to the Christmas tree to ripping the wrapping paper off the presents.  We all loved seeing his excitement and pure joy.  The only bummer was that he was running fever throughout the day so he had frequent naptimes.  Even with a fever though he was extremely happy.  Carson finally realized that Christmas changes when you get older.  As a teen he got primarily clothes and necessities from us.  I think he was a little bummed about it until he went upstairs and saw his new punching bag.  That definitely lightened his mood!  Caty and Tanna both got exactly what they asked for.  Caty has been on an artistic kick for a while now so we fed that obsession.  She is now the proud owner of a wooden easel, a pretty sweet art set (complete with oil pastels and watercolors) and some of her very own canvases.  I wish I had had the camera ready when she came downstairs with everything in tow, ready to create.  Tanna never really asks for much so this year when an American Girl doll showed up as the only thing on her list, we just didn't have the heart to say no.  The look on her face when she realized what it was made it all worth it.  "Julie" has not been far from her side since Christmas morning.  Mom and Minnie were with us for Christmas this year.  In hindsight I should have had someone take a generations picture of all of together.