On Christmas Eve we got an early start to our day and met my two best friends from high school (and their fiancé's) for breakfast. It was so good to catch up with them and see them again. I wish they lived closer and that we could be together more often. They have and will always have a special place in my heart! After breakfast we picked up my dad and went to see The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies. My mom was very glad that he had someone else to go with because she does not enjoy any of the LOTR or Hobbit movies (she's lame, but we love her). After the movie, we got to go to the Christmas Eve service at FCC. It was great to be able to worship and celebrate Christ's birth with a community of believers. It is one of my favorite things about the Christmas season.
Me, Megan and Amanda at breakfast
We were ready to see The Hobbit with our 3D glasses
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When Christmas morning arrived, Alex's head popped of his pillow like a first grader's. He was so excited to get up and give each other our gifts. I was a little less enthusiastic and slept for another half hour... After we were all awake we enjoyed sausage twirls and sticky buns, which are a mandatory tradition that I make sure my mom and aunt don't get complacent about. We opened our gifts and just enjoyed each others company. It was a fun, relaxing morning. That afternoon we went to Alex's sister's house to celebrate with his family. We had a good time and all ate way too much.
Jansen is at the perfect age right now (14ish months) and is so fun to watch play, walk and try to keep up with everyone else.
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On the 26th Jim and his family all arrived in Salem (Becky and crew came on the 25th later in the evening) and we did our family gift exchange with the kids and played. The on the 27th my Grandpa and his lady friend Jeanne arrived and so did my dad's brother Bruce and family. Before we could do any gift exchanging, Alex and I enacted a new family tradition:
The Blair Family Ping Pong Tournament
It was so much fun and everyone played (not all played well, but they played). We played doubles to 11 and then the championship round was played to 21. Becky was my partner and we were out the first round. I was a little disappointed, but we had fun regardless. The champions were my mom and Jared! 
Alex and I headed home Sunday afternoon and were exhausted, but I don't think either of us were as tired as Moose...he hasn't done anything but sleep since we've gotten home. We had a great Christmas and are so thankful for our family and friends and for the opportunity to get to spend time with them. Now we're getting ready to ring in the new year.
