Christmas in the West and Midwest!

This wasn't the traditional Christmas gathering for our family. First, Paul and I already knew he didn't have Christmas eve and the day after Christmas off from work so there was no way that we could spend it together in Colorado with my family. So we planned on spending it with Paul's family (who live two hours away from us). A few weeks before Christmas I found a very good price on a plane ticket... and Paul and I decided to go with it! Agnes and I were going to spend Christmas eve with Paul and then fly out to Colorado Christmas day and spend it with my brother, sister, and parents. So on Christmas eve, we opened some presents, went to midnight mass at the basilica, and took a couple of family pictures.

Agnes' first Christmas present from her parents... she seems a bit uninterested.

Grandma and baby girl.

We were lucky enough to have Aunt Kristi come for Christmas.

Paul's family.

The following day Agnes and I traveled on two planes, Christmas day, to beautiful, colorful Colorado! I had such anxiety about flying solo with her. It just wasn't something I imagined doing alone so soon. I knew I'd have to do it at some point but I thought I had at least a few years before it'd happen. I know she does well on planes, but I had help then (my mom actually accompanied me on her first plane ride back in August). This trip, I brought our big stroller with me and I lugged her diaper bag, my wrap, and my purse (along with a blanket, her coat, and my coat) along. My mom advised me to bring the stroller and gate check it and oh my goodness am I glad I followed her advice! Also, since we went to midnight mass and her whole sleep schedule was mixed up, she slept peacefully on both flights and I had no complaints from the other passengers. Two women, both moms, sat next to me (one actually switched with another woman who was eyeing us when she realized she'd be sitting next to us, but other than that, things went awesomely!

We arrived safely and smoothly, with a lovely welcome from my dad and sister, at the Colorado airport, drove to my parent's house, and opened presents before having a lovely dinner cooked by my mother.

42 years together and still so in love <3

My sister, Katy, with Agnes and me.

The Christmas Clan: Dad, Mom, Katy, and Tim (and Agnes)

Great siblings!

Agnes and I spent the next couple of weeks in Colorado spending time with my mom, Tim, and his girlfriend/ one of my best friends from college, Kelly Ann. Katy left a couple of days after Christmas to go back to California and work. My dad went to New York for a week to see family (if you could please pray for my uncle and his family, I know they'd really appreciate it). 

We had a great time! I even got to introduce Agnes to one of my best friends from high school. It was a much needed vacation and my mother took very good care of us. Paul eventually arrived by car (he actually surprised me by coming one day early... and don't worry, I didn't almost shoot him this time lol)

It was a pleasant surprise and we went to dinner as a family (with Tim, mom and dad). Here are a few (ok, a lot!) more pictures of our visit!

Spending quality time with Auntie Katy giving and receiving kisses.

After a day out shopping, we went to lunch. Agnes is such a well behaved little squirt!

Uncle Tim was so good with her and she, him.

Tim and Kelly Ann

We also got hooked on a board game: Settlers of Catan (heard of it?) ADDICTING!!

Agnes also got close with Grandpa when he returned.

Grandma was her best friend by the end of the trip.

Agnes really does not like to sit in a high chair correctly. She's such a fidgeter. 

Our happy little family.

Getting grandma kisses.

It was such a great visit! Thankfully Agnes and I won't go as long as we did before without seeing my mom. She will be coming to visit in February to keep us company while Paul goes down to Texas for a meeting. So let the countdown begin!! :D