Our first stop on the MN tour was at the Shaw home, where we were so happy to finally meet Baby Esme who was born in June. Her mom has been a dear friend of mine since second grade so it is very special that our children are so close in age and warms my heart to see her beautiful family. Esme is precious and full of sweetness and we loved meeting her! These kids will no doubt have some good times together as they grow!
Our annual trip back to Minnesota for the holidays was full of good times and memories! Living in Seattle, I miss my family often so I of course appreciate all of the moments together when we are there. Nana and Jay spoiled us with attention, gifts, food, gatherings, and love! Bennett loved being with his awesome uncles and aunts too ( I love seeing my brothers with my little man - so special that he gets to experience their terrific trio of wisdom and humor), and it was obvious by all of his talking and laughter that he was happy to consume all of the attention he was constantly receiving. We want to say a heartfelt thank you to my entire family for all the great moments - pizza night, our family Christmas, games, stories, talks, playing, and lots of laughter-we really miss you all!
The weather was about perfect for another memorable Christmas beach walk. 
We enjoyed a Christmas visit and brunch with Andrew's parents today. Thanks Nonno and Nonna for having us and spoiling us with goodies and love!
It's always fun to see what Santa is going to leave in our stockings! Every year growing up, my brothers and I received a jar of black olives stuffed in the bottom below all the other goodies in our stockings. In fact, I am sure when we go back to the Midwest next week, my mom will have a couple of jars waiting for us. It's no surprise then that we kept the tradition going and gave Bennett his first jar this year. I am excited to take his olive jar picture every year and see how it changes as he grows. I have always loved Christmas but the magic of the day sure takes over now that we have Bennett to share it with!
We had fun opening a few presents, making homemade pizza (a tradition back in mn) and preparing for Christmas day!
We did not let the chilly, windy, rainy day stop us from doing our annual tradition of a walk on Alki for Christmas Eve. I can't believe that this is my 5th Christmas celebration with Andrew and this year is all the more special because we have a little one to share in all of the fun. We started this walk when we were just dating, then married, and this year we walked as our little family of three which can bring happy tears to my eyes just thinking about it. We always walk to the pier where we got married and end in the spot where Andrew proposed.
We are so blessed and thoroughly enjoyed Bennett's first Christmas Eve today. 
Merry 1st Christmas to you, Bennett. 