step by step. hand in hand: a weber christmas.

A couple weekends ago my family came to Little Rock to celebrate our Weber Christmas. I know, a little late, but better late than never. Since Gracie was due on Christmas day this year (however she came 3 weeks before that!) we decided it wouldn't work for us and the Texans who then would have had a 4 month old to travel to IL for Christmas but we thought it would be fun to get together later- once Gracie was a little older. So we picked a date and it worked out amazingly that everyone was able to make it. At first we looked at condos or rental homes, since our apartment certainly wouldn't hold everyone, and really weren't able to find anything for a size and price that worked. Amazingly, a dear couple here offered up their home for my family to stay in for the weekend. It was perfect- there was room for everyone and we felt so at home there. The time was short but so sweet. We spent lots of time just hanging out and playing with the girls (Kylie Jo- 2.5, Lila- 6 mo, Gracie- 2 mo). We also did presents and ate a TON of food- it wouldn't be a Weber gathering if there wasn't tons of food.

I love the time we get to all be together as a family. We love being together and yes we have our conflicts like every good family does, but one thing that is true about my family is that love runs deep. We have weathered a lot of storms together but it has only grown us closer to each other in such a deep and rich commitment and love for each other. If anyone knows how to press each other's buttons- it's us- but something I love is the unquestioned forgiveness you know you will receive. We've learned that life is too short to hold grudges and to stay upset. We've learned that life is too short not to love and have fun together. We aren't perfect by any means but I love them so stinkin much.

Being together is a cherished time and I love looking forward to it. I hate it when it's over and we all have to bid each other goodbye again. It's a continuous cycle of excitement/anticipation as the time approaches and huge heartache as the time ends. I keep thinking the "goodbye" thing will get easier but for some reason it's getting harder...argh! I was talking to Seth about it the day everyone went home and crying about how hard it is to keep saying goodbye but realizing that some day in Heaven we won't have to say goodbye anymore- maybe it won't ever get easier down here- the saying goodbye thing- but as long as we all make it to Heaven then it makes it okay because we get to look forward to a better home awaiting us.

Here's the weekend through pictures: