This Christmas we were sad to be away from our CA friends and family, but we made do with video chats and shipping each other gifts. I’m the typically the last minute shopper and being across the globe surprisingly didn’t change that, so thanks for your patience as the presents continue to arrive there late! We were glad to at least get some Christmas cards out on time. I printed til my ink ran out, so unfortunately couldn't give one to everyone, but thank goodness for being able to post it on the internet. =)Being stuck on this island means many people put on events to provide everyone, especially the single Marines, a place to celebrate the holidays…and being involved meant our Christmas turned out to be quite a busy one attending a couple Christmas parties, grubbing potluck dinners three days in a row, and making sure to fit in our own family traditions. So on to some highlights…
Santa’s not so much a big deal to us, but thought we’d give Leyna her first encounter with him since he showed up at a Christmas luncheon that we were attending on base. No tears or fussing, she just seemed more fascinated with his fake beard and how tasty the wrapping paper looked!
We all dressed up and went to Christmas Eve service where they retold story of Jesus' birth accompanied by the children in costumes on stage (someday it'll be Leyna up there!), and Leyna wore herself out dancing to all the Christmas songs.
Then we headed to Christmas Eve dinner at Jeff and Gingers’ place. I managed to cook a massive amount of roast beef on our small Japanese stovetop (phew!). We decided to make that meal our Christmas Eve tradition. Leyna got her energy back just in time.
Growing up I always enjoyed opening just one gift on Christmas Eve, and this year Leyna got to do just that, opening her very first Christmas gift from Jeff and Ginger. As you can see she makes sure all her gifts pass a taste test (not to mention the dress she had been eating all night too).
Christmas day was nice with gifts under the tree ready to be opened...unlike last year when Dan and I spent it in an empty place since the movers came to take all our things 2 days before! haha. So it was a treat to be in a furnished home and of course to have a little reindeer baby with us!
We loved our gifts, most of which we already knew what we were getting, but we did throw in a few surprise ones…like an air soft gun for dad (since he can’t have his real guns here) and a dremel for mom (yes, for some reason I always wanted one). Leyna of course was the spotlight and we loved to watch her taste and tear through gifts. She got tons of new cool toys and books from all the Grandparents, a dress from Great Grandma, and a cool jumper, playmat...just to name a few. Let the tasting begin...
Once again, Leyna got all tired out from the excitement, meanwhile I went back to cooking for Christmas dinner #2 at Precious and Mike’s place.
We enjoyed yet another food coma, watching the movie UP for the first time, getting a good dose of playing Rockband, and Leyna got 2 more tasty gifts! There was a lot more single Marines joining that night and so much food that Precious and Mike were able to make a bunch of to-go plates for Marines on duty. Glad all the food didn't go to waste!
Day after Christmas, we had Christmas dinner #3 with people from Dan’s office. We watched the movie Elf, ate lots again, and Leyna got to meet another baby friend. Btw, lately Leyna is always trying to shake hands with other babies, it's so cute!
Phew! The end result of all the holiday hustle bustle…we had tons of fun, we’re still eating leftovers and catching up on sleep…Leyna made out like a bandit with all her gifts, her 2nd tooth came in, and she’s getting so close to crawling! Although she also stayed up waay too late each night so we’re all trying to get back on schedule! 
Hope you had a wonderful holiday as well and didn't take for granted the family you could spend it with. We miss you all and wish you a happy new year!
