Crazy Christmas...But Together!

I have to say it was definitely a crazy Christmas this year. Chad had to report to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base by December 17th. We then stayed on base in the Temporary Living Facilities (TLF), but they only had an opening for us until December 25th and then they were booked - yeah, that's right. They were kicking us out on Christmas, and our house wasn't scheduled to be ready until December 28th. Luckily, the housing office was really understanding and rushed to get everything ready for us. We got the keys on Christmas Eve, but the carpets were still wet from being cleaned, so we could only move things in downstairs. But, we only had the rental truck for a few hours, so we had to move all of our stuff out of storage on the 24th. It was not a fun task, especially since I was almost 8 months pregnant and couldn't help lift anything heavy. Luckily, a REALLY nice family from church had invited us over for dinner Christmas Eve, and Bella had some friends to play with while the boys moved the heavy things. Thank goodness, because we really couldn't have done it without them! I just have to say how lucky and blessed we are, and how amazingly everything fell into place. We were definitely being watched over and taken care of!

We spent Christmas Eve in TLF, and then went over to our new house Christmas Morning. Chad went inside to set up the tree and put the few presents we hadn't opened in Texas under it while Bella and I waited in the car. Luckily she is still innocent and didn't even suspect that Chad set up Christmas. She was SO excited that Santa came to our new house, and talked about it for weeks!!! We got her a bowling set since she loved bowling so much; a little makeup set that got thrown away real quickly (and discretely) since it stained everything it came into contact with (including mine and Bella's faces); and the biggest hit, a hair kit, with a blowdryer that really turns on! She did hair for days on end, but it was fun to see her enjoy something so simple so much! I can't find any pictures of her playing with it, but it was really cute. She pretends the little plastic curling iron are scissors and pretends to cut your hair - which of course I told her she is never allowed to cut hair with real scissors. Chad and I just exchanged small gifts since we had already given each other presents before we moved. Chad and Bella got me some earrings and a new watch, they have very good taste. And I got Chad a new wallet and some cologne. It was nice to have a nice, little, very simple, Christmas together. The rest of the day we spent moving and cleaning. Bella loved helping clean everything. Chad's dad flew in later Christmas day to help us get settled in. Unfortunately the flights were too full and Chad's mom didn't make it onto the flight. We enjoyed having Clark here though and were very grateful for the help! And, for the first time in my life, we went out to eat for Christmas Dinner. Thank goodness Denny's was open, but I felt bad for the people who have to work on Christmas! I can't even imagine what next year is going to be like, but I do know we will have one more kiddo to buy presents for....
Bella bowling before we moved our furniture in

Helping clean her kitchen while I cleaned mine. She really loves to help clean, and I definitely take advantage of it.