Tis the Season Part 2

This Christmas was particularly special to me because of a couple reasons.

 One, this was the last Christmas that my family was a family of four. Next year, actually this year, we, we will be a family of five. Jett Reynen Catacutan will be added under the tree and cuteness in our photos.

Secondly, this was the first year since 2009 that I was able to spend Christmas day with family. My mom and brother were able to make this trip this year. And hopefully it is not the last.

Christmas morning was spent with just the family, my mom and Mitch. Didn't go as planned since our visitors were still on central time and woke up late. So the present opening and breakfast was a tad delayed. Next time we're going to send the kids up to wake everyone in the house. haha. The kdis had a blast opening presents, and a lot of them, thanks Mitchell.

In the evening time, Eva's family came to join us along with some strays. haha. We had a big dinner, tons of food, took pictures, open more presents, and a little poker. This Christmas was a first for my mother-in-law as well, it's the first Christmas she was able to spend with her family since 2004. she was either in living in New Brunswick or traveled there during the holidays to help out with her brother's restaurant. It was nice that she could spend it with her family, especially with her grandchildren .

Beside mostly everyone being sick during the holidays,  they were exactly needed, time to relax and time spent with family. My kids, especially Teo, really bonded with Mitch this time down. Even after Mitch and my mom went home, which Teo knew, but still asked where his tito was and when we said he's home now, he insisted we facetime with him. It was cute, never seen him like that, but I'm glad to see it. I always had a fear that my kids wouldn't get to know my family as well as Eva's since they lived so far away, but it amazes me every time how affectionate they are with my family. It makes me happy :)

Tis the Season Part 1

As per usual, every year the Catacutan's host the Cousin's Christmas party that includes my lovely wife's sisters and cousins. It's a themed party that includes a potluck, gift exchange (secret or dirty Santa), drinks, games, pictures, and a lot of good laughs.

This year we got to welcome the additions of three new people to the party.

First - The star of the party Kayden Everly, the daughter of Rob and Edselyn.

Secondly - the St. Clairs, Kris and Christine. My closest cousin and his wife moved down to southern Ontario in July. It was nice to have them take part in the cousin's Christmas especially since I don't have much family around this area. Not really a surprise that they were able to mesh well with the everyone.

Like every year, the party was a blast. Lots of wine drinking this year, dirty Santa was a lot of fun with some strategizing to obtain a picture, congrats Rob and Ed on successfully pulling that off. Plus I'm happy that my present was actually stolen!  One of the reasons I look forward to this party every year is the fact that it reminds me of the party back home, loaded with fun and laughter. Here's a few pictures from the evening.