The Ellis Family: Christmas in Florida

Writing a letter to Santa on Christmas Eve

We went out of town to Florida for Christmas break. It was wonderful and exhausting all at the same time. Both the kids ended up getting pretty sick and required a trip to the walk in clinic. However, it didn't slow them down too much. I sure did love getting to spend Christmas with my side of the family this year. We alternate every other year between Florida and Knoxville. Unfortunately last time we did Christmas in Florida, the plague of the Chloe bug hit and we infected 21 friends and family with the stomach bug. So that year we spent Christmas on the couch or in front of the toilet..yuck! Anyway it was great to get to do all the traditional Christmas festivities the Fink family has done for as long as I can remember.

gift exchange at Pappa and Nana's on Christmas Eve morning

The usual new PJ's and this year a robe on Christmas Eve

Aunt Lindsey took the kids on a Pony ride

He wasn't having any fun ;)

Christmas morning Brunch at Uncle Artie and Aunt JoAnn's house

I couldn't help but wonder and hope how different our Christmas could look next year. How cool it would be to have one or two little dark colored faces amidst all the chaos. I'm praying and asking the Lord that this time next year we'll have a couple more little ones running around. It was also encouraging that my extended family was so excited about it and full of questions. What a blessing to have family behind you :)

the original 4 on New Years Eve

the original 4 and their siblings

We were in Florida for almost two weeks so we were able to visit lots of friends and family. We got to have our annual New Years Eve Party with the friends we originally started having New Years Eve parties with.

We also squeezed in a very impromptu Birthday party for Chloe at Build a Bear. I tell you impromptu parties are the way to go. No stress, and forget about weeks of planning. However, it was just as fun and special to Chloe!