A Bit of Christmas

We just returned from California and we had such a great time celebrating with Allan's family and even getting a little bit of time with some our friends. These are just a few of the great pictures I was able to capture of special moments Claire shared with her family. She seemed to grow up a little more while we were there and really seemed to bind with her cousins. There was a lot of squealing and laughing done by these four little ladies. They loved being pulled fast in the wagon, playing trains and piano, jumping on the aerobed, decorating a gingerbread house (Claire ate more than she decorated), playing in the tub, playing dress up, being chased by their Papa, and so much more. There were VERY early mornings and moments of total chaos, but it somehow still seemed fun...maybe that is the magic of Christmas.
I truly enjoyed our time in California. I actually was a little teary at the airport and that has never happened. Claire really bonded with her Papa (notice the bottom left picture) and was so sweet and a little sad when he left us at the airport. She kept saying "Where's Papa?" and I would get choked up every time. She has just not shown that kind of a bond with anyone other than me and her daddy. It has made me a more fond of my father in law.
I think some of my favorite moments were in the little things: our sweet niece Camille running up and climbing into my lap to give a sweet hug for no reason at all, Anna and Claire clip clopping down the hallway in their beautiful princess shoes, singing carols as we rode around the Mission Inn in a horse drawn carriage, having adult time on Christmas night as we all sat around the fire after the kids were in bed, and watching Claire be full of joy as she explored her Mimi and Papa's home with her cousins. This was a special year to celebrate with the entire Kav clan and I look forward to many more holidays we will share as a family over the years.