A White Christmas in Colorado

(It's snow!!)

After our way-to-brief trip to Illinois, the 3 of us hopped on a plane for Denver to visit Mike's family for about 8 days. There was lots to do and celebrate! Cavin was off to meet, for the first time, his cousin Hunter. There was a lot of excitement surrounding Hunter and Cavin's first meeting since the boys are so close in age. For months leading up to the moment, there was a lot of talk about who's kid was going to beat up, sit on, or stomp on the other one...you know, typical bro-on-bro competition. However, other than an initial push by Hunter on Cavin's back (caught on video) and a follow-up punch by Cavin (caught here):

The two became best buds and learned to actually enjoy each other's company quite a bit.


Cavin also finally got to meet his grandma Melinda!

The first night we left the boys with Grandma Judy and Grandpa Leland so that we could head to the Avalanche game with Mike's dad and step-mom. It was a lot of fun! Kate and I impressed everyone with our knowledge of the game and the Avalanche players.




And look! Cavin has another boy cousin on the way!!

Christmas was fun for the boys! They were bombarded with gifts but ended up really enjoying the wrapping paper, boxes, and bows the most...


If Hilton and Chevron go down, we are debating putting these boys in the circus:

Although Cavin doesn't seem to excited about that idea (notice how all four Spruiell boys have the same "Spruiell nose"...just sayin'):

Amy's boyfriend surprised us on Christmas eve by driving 3 hours to Colorado just to spend some time with his honey. What a sweetie!!! We were all VERY excited that Bryan could make it...especially after we thought the snow and ice had cancelled his plans.

Christmas morning as we all began unwrapping our stockings...all of the Christmas excitement, coupled with some MASSIVE two front teeth that broke through the gums, was too much for Cavin as he fell asleep mid-stocking.

The day after Christmas we threw Jonna and Tod a winter-themed baby shower, complete with a selection of 3 different chilis!

And, finally, on the last day we were there we celebrated Hunter's 1st birthday!

Since it was Bronco Sunday, Cavin decided to be festive...

Again, the boys got a bit rowdy as Cavin pushed Hunter in his new toy and Hunter got scared...

Here's a good picture of Mike, his siblings, their kids, and his mom and step-dad. There was another good one taken of all of us with his dad and step-mom and all of the kids on that side; however, that wasn't taken on my camera. :(

From left to right is:
Hunter - Cavin's cousin and Erik and Kate's son
Erik - Mike's brother
Kate - Erik's fiance and our future sister-in-law
James - Kate's son
Amy - Mike's younger sister
Leland - Mike's step-dad
Judy - Mike's mom
Jonna and Baby J - Mike's older sister and cousin-to-be
Tod - Jonna's husband and our brother-in-law
Me
Mike
Cavin

At some point during the birthday party I happened to check up on Cavin and caught Grandma Judy and Grandpa Leland red-handed!

Judy - (wide eyed because I caught her) "Uhm...It looks like Cavin likes beer."
Jamie - "Well, that's because its Shiner...and Texas is in his blood."

All in all, we had a really great time in Colorado. I am truly blessed to have wonderful in-laws and a loving family to visit. Although things are always a bit hectic, we had such a fun time and I feel truly blessed to have the Spruiells, Fyes, and Janets in my life.

Happy Holidays Everyone! Love, Cavin