The Christmas season seemed brighter this year. Everything seemed more vivid – the tree was greener, the cookies more delicious, the weather crisper (sort of), and the Christmas movies more hilarious. I would like to say that it is because Eric and I are getting more festive as we get older. This might be slightly true as we pick up more and more traditions to celebrate the season, but the primary reason for our increased joy is our son, Edmund.
 |
| the best way to spread christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear |
It is such an enormous blessing to share Christmas with a child. Although Edmund was too small this year to appreciate all of the memories that were made and the traditions that were passed on, to Eric and me they will be truly memorable. It is our first year celebrating as a family of three.
We were blessed to be able to travel all the way to Minnesota to visit the Plantenberg side of the family before Christmas. My sister and my brother had never met Edmund in person, and I hadn’t seen my sister’s twins since the day after they were born. We had a wonderful time hanging out with family, celebrating my niece Kara’s third birthday, going to the Mall of America for some final Christmas shopping, checking out Macy’s Santaland with the family, and celebrating early Christmas. Our friends Kaycee and Matthew traveled all the way from Ames to hang out with us for a few hours which was so much fun. The five day trip was way too short. We can’t wait until we are able to see the Plantenberg side again.
 |
| edmund's first flight |
 |
| at mall of america |
 |
| ready to check out macy's santaland |
 |
| meeting kaycee and matthew |
 |
| edmund's first snow |
 |
| meeting his aunt becky and cousins kenzie and kellan |
 |
| helping grandpa open presents |
 |
| playing with grandma |
Afterward, we spent Christmas with Eric’s side of the family in northern Indiana. With 11 people staying under the same roof, things are always a bit crazy. We had a great time hanging out with family, catching up with good friends, making Christmas cookies, watching lots of Christmas movies, and eating lots of food.
 |
| playing with aunt maria and uncle ethan |
 |
| ready for church |
 |
| the red pajama club |
 |
| opening presents with mommy |
 |
| chilling with grandpa |
 |
| in his christmas sweater |
 |
| laughing with cousin gabriel |
We spent hours gazing at our Christmas tree at home while drinking hot chocolate. Edmund loves to stare at the lights as they glow in the darkness. Edmund also liked the snow that fell in both Minnesota and in Indiana when we were there. Although, it’s easy to get excited about teaching Edmund about all of our traditions, we didn’t forget to talk to Edmund about the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our savior.
We hope you all had a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
-Anna, Eric and Edmund
