Christmas... 2013

Well 2000 miles, 8 family Christmases, and 8 short days later, we're back from our lovely stay in Alabama. We had such a great Christmas, and I'm so thankful we got to spend it with our families!! We got back late Sunday night and were quickly reminded how COLD it is here! It was 3 degrees when we woke up yesterday :/ But as much as we enjoyed our time, and as much as I miss our families, it does feel good to be back "home"
Our first stop and first Christmas celebration was with my dad's family in Huntsville. We were about an hour late {we did have a 9 hour trip to get there, so I think everyone understood ;)} so it was kind of short and sweet, but it was good to see everyone!! We left Huntsville and drove to Z's parents's house in Tuscaloosa. Sunday was spent relaxing, eating Taco Casa, baking, and enjoying dinner with both of our families! Monday, I spent the day with my parents and visited with one of my besties and her fam. It was a really great day. That night we had our second family Christmas with Z's extended family... Tuesday {Christmas Eve} was spent with Z's family. Z and I even had some time with his grandma at her house "going down memory lane". It was really sweet! We woke up Christmas morning at Z's parents'... and then we had our annual Christmas Day marathon ;) Z's grandparents', my Nana's, and Z's Mimi's. We are SO blessed, and we loved getting to see so much of our family on such a special day! We woke up bright and early the day after Christmas to head to my parents' house in South Alabama. We spent a few days there and celebrated Christmas with them. It was a really fun, relaxing end to our visit... including shopping, seafood, a trip to the movies, baking with my mom, and homemade gumbo... simply the best! We left early Sunday morning, dropped my brother and his sweet girlfriend off in B'ham, met up with Z's fam for brunch, and then made a very long drive back to Chicago! Whew! It was a busy, wonderful week celebrating the birth of our Savior and all that He has blessed us with!!!
Here are a few pictures to recap our visit... {I wish I had more!!!}

 
And now we're off to celebrate the last day of 2013! Come back tomorrow for a post highlighting what a great year it has been ;) Happy New Year's Eve!!