First Married Christmas

On December 22, John and I travelled to Bellbrook, Ohio to celebrate our first married Christmas.  My aunt Kelly was hosting everyone in her new beautiful home.  It was nice to be with my family on this Christmas, especially since my brother had suffered two seizures, two days before flying to Ohio.  Thankfully he was cleared by his doctor to fly and join everyone in Ohio.

After arriving into Dayton 45 minutes late, with a damaged suitcase, we made our way to Amelia's, a local restaurant for dinner with Auntie, Cin, and Grammie.  We had a few cocktails and a delicious meal, to end our day of traveling.  It was nice to see my family again, since I have not seen most of them since our wedding.  

Auntie and Cindy's home was absolutely stunning, as they picked everything out themselves. The kitchen is a chef's dream, with heated bathroom floors, a great room, study, hot tub, and in home gym.  The house was more beautiful in person than pictures.  It felt like we were living in a ski lodge with the gorgeous stone fireplace.  Not to mention, there were Christmas trees in every room, which is what I would love to have in our house.  Like my mom said, you can never have enough Christmas trees.

Friday was a very busy day, as we were awaiting the arrival of mom, dad, Lauren, Michael, and Spiro.  The aroma of the food from the kitchen filled the house, as we all watched White Christmas, my favorite Christmas movie.  Grammie was busy in the kitchen prepping for Christmas Eve, while Auntie made homemade banana nut bread, and John and I baked cupcakes.  

Once the family arrived, Auntie and Cindy had a big surprise planned for everyone, we were all going to the Dayton Flyers basketball game.  They even bought everyone matching shirts to wear at the game.  We had amazing seats and saw a great basketball game.  After the game, we ordered pizza and just relaxed.  I was very happy to be with my family again.

On Christmas Eve, we were all invited to Kake's house for brunch.  After taking a tour of the home, we sipped on mimosas and enjoyed a delicious brunch.  Unfortunately, the day took a different turn, as Kava had to go to the emergency veterinary clinic, as she was experiencing problems with her anal glands.  Due to Kava's procedure, Auntie and Cindy had to miss going to church, so they can be there for Kava.  After church, we returned home to start prepping for dinner, drinks, and games.  

On Christmas morning, the house was filled with lots of love and gifts.  We took turns opening gifts, while stopping to enjoy the delicious breakfast that Grammie had cooked for everyone.  After filling up on breakfast, we returned to the great room to continue to open gifts.  John and I are both very blessed with all of the gifts that we have received.

After things had settled down with opening of the gifts, etc. we all decided to go to the nature reserve for a hike, even Kona joined us.  

It was nice to spend Christmas with my family this year, as we have been through a lot of ups and downs.  My brother suffering many seizures, my sister losing her job and me getting married married.  It was very sad to say goodbye to them, but I know that we all see each other very soon.  I love my family with all of my heart and miss them everyday.  This is a Christmas that I will always remember.