Melkam Gena and a Christmas Recap

So, I was going to post this yesterday, but I fell asleep as the pics were loading last night. January 7th is the day that Ethiopians celebrate the birth of Christ so Melkam Gena means Merry Christmas. We didn't celebrate Ethiopian Christmas this year, unless you count working all day on house projects to get ready to bring our little Ethiopian home celebrating. We plan to incorporate some traditions into our home next year.

I also realized that I never posted anything about our Christmas, so now seems as good a time as any. Better late than never, right? We arrived home on the Wednesday night before Christmas. When we were several hours from home my stomach started feeling awful and it didn't really feel better until December 28th. I learned one way to avoid holiday weight gain is to take a trip to Africa right before the holidays.

So, this was just a strange Christmas for me. I was exhausted, didn't feel well, and I had just left my youngest child in Africa. We had a good Christmas, but it was just different. I also didn't take many pictures at all.

Friday Justin's brother and his wife, Kelsey came to stay with us for a couple of days. His sister also came. It was good visiting with them. They brought the boys these super cute Angry Birds hats.
Jax liked helping me open my gifts.
Aunt Kelsey giving Sawyer some love. I just noticed how odd the dog looks. I think he was trying to jump on the couch.
Mia got a few gifts too that night. Here is Jax showing off his little sister's dress.
The next night was Christmas Eve. We went to Justin's grandparents' house to be with all of his family. I think this is the only decent pic I got on Christmas Eve. Sawyer cuddling with his aunt Kelsey and Uncle Jon. In case you are reading and don't know, my husband has an identical twin. I wouldn't want you to think he has his hand on some other woman's leg. =)
I am ashamed to say that I left my camera at Justin's grandparents house, so I don't have one single picture from Christmas morning. We had a good Christmas morning with our boys. It was just the 4 of us most of Christmas day, so after church we took the boys to see Happy Feet 2. Then we celebrated with a pizza party for Jesus's birthday.

Here are some of the gifts little Miss Mia Grace got this year. Uncle Jon and Aunt Kelsey got this frame for us to put our first picture together in. I just love Uncle Jon's art work!
Justin picked out this sweet rag doll for our Mia Grace. I can't wait to give it to her. I hope she likes it!
Justin and Jon's birthday is the day after Christmas. We celebrated with a delicious dinner at Kelsey's parent's house and then we all went bowling. You would think I would have a picture of the birthday boys, but no, just a picture of Jax and Aunt Samantha at the bowling alley.
So, this is the update from our jet lagged Christmas. It was simple, but it was a good time with family and thanking God for sending His son, Jesus.