Christmas 2014

This was definitely the best Christmas yet.  Although we always wish we could celebrate with our families back home, it was one we'll never forget here in Okinawa.  Waking up Christmas morning with Quinn was such a joy.  Even though it was at 5am, I decided to be thankful that we got an extra couple of hours to enjoy the day!

Tony worked the morning of Christmas Eve and of course had the next 4 days off.  I never take these consecutive days for granted anymore because I know they don't come all that often!  I even get another round of him home for 4.5 days for New Years!  Christmas Eve we celebrated with the Dare's (my friend, Natalie and her family).  We had our 2nd annual gingerbread house competition which fell short this year as we had two new babies in the house to take care of.  Ella, soon to be 6, was the judge and gave the 2 houses a tie.  I think she was just being nice, but you be the judge.

Gabriel and Ella playing with Quinn.  Quinn had a rash on her head if you're wondering what the gauze pad is all about.

Gabriel enjoyed eating the gingerbread house more than making it.  I think I did, too.

Watching "HOME ALONE" :)

Brown's house

Dare's house

That night we put the little one to bed asap so Tony and I could enjoy a couple of drinks and do some gift opening.  We. Were. Spoiled.  I couldn't believe all the gifts we had from our parents and siblings.  They sure made us feel special and sent the perfect items that fit in flat rate boxes.

Christmas day was a beautiful day.  We had a lazy morning and opened up Quinn's gifts from everyone.   We were able to FaceTime with both families to share in on their Christmas Eve for a bit and watch them open a few gifts.  I've said it a million times, but thank goodness for technology.

Later on in the day we decided to grab the margaritas and snacks and head to the beach.  It was sunny, warm, and very pleasant.  Quinn hasn't been to the beach yet so it was fun to let her play with a few toys on her towel and dip her feet in the water.  She loved it :)  Many more beach days ahead for this girl!

Margaritas in a plastic wine glass.  Why not?

Feeling very blessed to have had such a great Christmas weekend.  We will always cherish these memories, but I am so excited to share the Christmas spirit with everyone back home.  We are planning to go to Tokyo next year at this time with the Dare's, which will be a whole lot of fun.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas/Hanukkah :)