Christmas was lovely

We visited Phx for the first time in a few years this Christmas. It was lots of fun. We loved the sun. My mom cooked great meals and threw a fun Christmas Eve party featuring her famous lasagne. The kids loved playing with their ADORABLE cousin, Beaux. I hadn't seen my sister in 2 years. She made a deep impression on Sonia who later declared when she grew up, "she was going to look exactly like Aunt Katie. I'll wear black. We will be twins."  We visited the sweet new home my brother and sister-in-law recently purchased. We ate pizza then attended the Zoolights program at the Phx Zoo. The lights were spectacular and we were all impressed by the lights that seemed to dance with the Christmas music (they were coordinated to do that .. how does that work?)

I have finally decided (these things take me a long time) that it is important for us to be with my family at Christmas. It is worth the airfare and the hassle. We really only gather once a year and I am grateful for the occasion.