The holidays.... I just love them. Especially being around my family. For many that know, I am not married nor do I have any kids. But I have 3 nieces and 3 nephews. All with a unique story and each with a different personality.

My sister, about 12 years ago, was diagnosed with cancer and was told that she couldn't have kids. After trying every possible method, they ended up adopting. They decided to adopt a boy and girl, who are now 9 years old. After they came back from Kazakhstan, where they adopted, she found out that she was actually pregnant. Then they felt bad 6 months later for my oldest niece, because there were now two boys, so they adopted another girl, who is now almost 5. Well, we thought all was quiet on the home front, until I got a call last November. "Hey, guess what, your sister is pregnant,.... & with twins...".

(top to bottom - left to right - Andrew 7 - Johnny 9 - Alisha 4.5 -

Joey 8 months, youngest - Ava 8 months, oldest - Katerina 9 )

Now, even though I only live about 25 minutes from parents and about 30 minutes from my sister & brother-in-law, every Christmas I go over and spend about 3 to 4 days. I'll stay at my parents for those days, but we'll always have Christmas dinner at my sister's house. And for the last 7 years or so, we have a friend that dresses up as Santa and visits us and another family or two, dropping off gifts. 

The kids can't believe that Santa comes by twice, in one day.  Well, 2 of them are getting old enough to where they have a clue now and have been asking questions. But here are the two middle aged kids, Andrew and Alisha.

 Andrew....  it's great watching kids grow up, wanting to be something, especially around Halloween. And reminiscing what we as kids wanted to be when we grew up. Well, now my nephew wants to be a police officer. And just to see his face glow when Santa brought him the outfit and his parents bought him the accessories. He and I actually played a little with my cell phone and his walkie talkie. He enjoyed it....

Now, unfortunately, this was a bad shot of Ava, because of the red eye in the picture. And I couldn't get rid of it. Oh well... but she is a cutie... and such a joy to be around.

 Here is Johnny, sitting on Santa's lap. Not sure why he is pouting.... lol  He is always smiling, even when upset. It doesn't last long.

Here are 2 pictures of Joey. On the right, he was sick for a few days. Not himself. But when I went back over on Saturday, he was his joyful self. He is trying to crawl and might be a month away...

 The morning of Christmas....   Katerina, Andrew, and Johnny....

Kids just enjoying Christmas....  the joy of giving, watching them just enjoy themselves. But most of all, being surrounded by family !!!

 Happy Holidays....

 May 2009 be safe & prosperous to everyone...

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Copyright © 2008 by Jeff Belonger