Derek

Mitch

Tommy

The first year I went to Christmas dinner at Dallas’ Aunt Gail’s house Chris and Mitch were the youngest kids I knew. Kyle and Winnie were visiting from California and they had 2 young boys, but I didn’t know them well and was overwhelmed by all the new people that I don’t remember them that much.

Cory & Chris

Winnie & Kate

Last year Tommy and Hidato were born and it was their first Christmas. It was so much fun. This year Scotty & Krystyn didn’t come out from California so Hidato wasn’t at the party, but Winnie and Kyle made it out and this time with an addition: baby Kate. It’s was her first Christmas. Kate’s brothers Derek and Ben are getting so much older and running around and playing with Chris and Mitch. And Tommy… so cute! It’s his second Christmas and he’s starting to talk and have a real personality. Naoko speaks Japanese to Tommy at home and he’s already bilingual. When Naoko tells him things in Japanese he really listens and does it immediately. Pretty funny. Maybe that’s when he knows he’s really in trouble.

Tommy

Miko & Ben

So, I guess the point is that it’s great to see all of Dallas’ family, but just like at my family’s Christmas, the kids are what make it great.

Mission Impossible! Mitch, Kate, Ben, Tommy, Chris, Derek

Josh & Brad napping