Family in Town

...and they're here to stay!

"before" - Oct 1st

I haven't blogged much about this except to mention that David's parents have been living with us off and on since September when they sold the only house they have ever lived in since getting married, left Salt Lake, and moved to Albuquerque!  They had decided to build a brand new house in Rio Rancho and so were staying with us until their new house was finished.  A pretty great Christmas present arrived for them when their house was finished on December 23rd.

So, we kicked off Christmas weekend by moving Grandma and Grandpa to their new house, that is now 10-12 minutes away from ours (depending on whether Daddy is driving or Grandpa...Grace likes to time them with her new watch.)

"after" - Dec 25th

Barbara said she wanted to host a meal at her new house on Christmas.  I thought she was crazy and couldn't imagine anyone getting enough unpacked and put away to do something like that so quick after moving in.  But, true to diligent Grandma form, she had her tree up, her stockings hung, her dining room table decked out, her living room immaculate, and was all set to have us over for lunch.

We haven't had "family in town" for the holidays in 6 years since moving away from Salt Lake.  We've made do quite well with sweet friends and neighbors and adorable adopted Grandparents.  But, it was pretty great to see the kids get to spend time with extended family on Christmas day for the first time ever for Hattie and the first time Grace could remember.

Aunt Christine even flew in for the occasion and the girls got to open presents with her.

Well we're sure that Grandma and Grandpa are extremely happy to not be living in our guest room and have their own digs now after being homeless for 3 months.  We know the kids will miss their live-in playmates though.   Welcome to New Mexico, Grandma and Grandpa!