Since I’m way behind on posting, the next few will be more pictures than text.

On Christmas Eve, my family gathered at the State Capitol for a little family photo-shoot. My mom likes to take advantage of having the whole group together, especially now that there are little ones in the picture! Culhane wore a sweater, hat and gloves all knitted by my Aunt Sheryl!

That evening, we all gathered for Christmas Eve service at my parents’ church. After church, we went to my great Aunt & Uncle’s house with some of my cousins for dinner. Culhane loved getting to hang out with Margaret!  After dinner Michael and I were excited to teach everyone the famous, Harper-family-dice-game! You see, every Christmas Eve in Phoenix, the Harpers gather together with their dear friends, the Griegos, for dinner & gambling. So this year we decided to bring the fun to South Carolina! On Christmas morning, Michael and I snuck off to my parents’ church for a quick but beautiful Christmas service. It’s funny how having a little baby caused both of us to marvel at the miracle of Christ’s birth in a new way, so this Christmas was extra special to us as we considered God’s amazing love and grace to us through Jesus.

When we returned home everyone was in the living room opening gifts, or rather, watching adorable Augusta Clare open gifts.

Lots of festive red!
Culhane, very into his dad’s new pair of Tom’s. Our very own, happy little Santa – round belly and all! The day after Christmas we went to my grandparents’ house for a visit.  And my dear friend Katie stopped by for a visit along with her sister and nephew who is exactly 2 years older than Colt!
Our last couple of nights at home, Michael and I stayed up late playing games with my parents. On our last night we stayed up until 2am playing poker! We were so sad to leave, but before we knew it, it was time to fly west to see our Phoenix family! Thankfully we had a sleepy (i.e. good) traveler on our hands!

Pictures from Phoenix next!