Out with a bang

2011 was an amazing year full of travel, our new-found love of tennis, long time friends, new friends, and fun family times. The holidays have been a perfect way to cap it all off.  And if it weren't for the feeling of a fresh start that accompanies the New Year, I would be really sad to see 2011 end.

Christmas this year was wonderful as always and filled with even more gratitude and love than before.

We started Christmas Eve with a traditional game of volleyball with Tucker siblings and friends. Nothing like hours of competitive play to get you in the Christmas spirit!

The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home before heading to Jeff's parents for a night of festivities. On our way we stopped by Jeff's Grandma Dorthy's home for a surprise Christmas visit. It was only my second time meeting her, but it was so meaningful to hear her stories of being young and married to late Grandpa Clyde while It's a Wonderful Life played in the background. She told of their travels to New York City, Washington D.C., and London. We then introduced her to Hobbes who was just as big (or small) as she is. They really hit it off.

The night was spent with endless treats, Christmas stories, a movie, and sneaking Hobbes into our bedroom for a cozy Christmas night. In the morning we opened our stockings with each other--one of my favorite parts of Christmas--then opened gifts with the rest of the family.

After church we drove to my parents home where Christmas started all over again. We played games, watched movies, visited with Grandparents, and played with nephews.  Below are the few pictures I took.

  

Baby Britt as Santa's little helper

 My lion hat from Jeff. You better believe I wore this thing for two solid days before taking it off

 The boys on a happy Christmas morning

 And lastly, the beautiful, sunny view on our way to my parents home.

What a wonderful year its been! At the last minute we have chosen to opt out of partying for a cozy New Year's Eve at home with treats, movies, and bubbly.

Bring on the new year.