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Taylor, MO- Most kids only get Christmas once a year...in December, but 2-year-old to be Bryton Hively got to celebrate Christmas twice.

But this one was a little more special, he got to spend it with his daddy. Bryton's dad is a specialist with Quincy's National Guard 1844th Transportation Unit. They were deployed to Iraq around this time last year. While overseas, Brett missed 3 of his cousins weddings, and his grandparent's 50th anniversary.

"It just wasn't the same, it just didn't feel like Christmas without the whole family together," said Brett's mom, Carol Hively.

"Having him home is awesome. There's a lot of things he and I didn't get to do throughout the year that we've made up for, for some time that he's here. It just means a whole lot for us to be back together as a family," Floyd Hively, Brett's father said.

Not only did Brett miss out on family events, he also missed quality time with his son...spending time with him is priceless.

Brett says,"It means a lot. You'd be amazed at how much you miss over a year. Little kids like him, they grow so fast...it's awesome to be back home with my family and friends."

To make up for lost time, Brett showered his son with presents under the Christmas tree. Bryton got clothes, toys and his favorite, a Farmall tractor which he rode the entire time I was there. After unwrapping presents, the family polished off a home cooked meal, making it officially seem like Christmas, only this time, there were no empty seats at the dinner table.

"It's nice to have him back home," said Brett's mom joyously.

To top it all off, the Tri-States was dusted with snow, making it a white Christmas.  Brett and his father plan to hit the outdoors, and the family plans to take a trip to Vegas sometime next month.