Merry Christmas 2011!!

I have always loved Christmas - as a kid of course it is the best day of the entire year, when I was in college it was fun to come home for a few weeks, and then when Joe and I met it was fun to have someone to spend the holidays with and a new family to celebrate with.  But, nothing is better than being a parent at Christmas time.  Although we were parents for the last Christmas, Lucy was only 3 months old so we were really more concerned with getting her to take a bottle and trying to get sleep than how much she loved her stocking. And, although Lucy is still too young to get excited about Christmas, or understand what it is, we had the best time trying to make it special for her.  For the first time in a while, I woke up this morning with the same excitement I did as a kid, but it was because we were so excited for the day with Lucy.  Maybe she really never wanted applesauce in her stocking and could care less about her new tennis racket, but for the few minutes she was interested, it made our morning.  We can only imagine how much fun it will be in the years ahead when Lucy runs down the stairs (yes, we will be moved into a real house one day) for Christmas morning!

We spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house and Bill and Chris visited, so we were happy to have both set of parents with us for some of the evening.  Every year the house gets louder and more fun, and this year was no exception.  Lucy loves to watch Abigail and Caitlin who have the best imaginations and somehow find endless things to do regardless if there are toys involved, and follows them around - always trying to drink from their cups and trying to be part of "the group."  Luckily they have excepted her into the group.  But, most of all, she adores Kramer.  There were gifts, and gifts and gifts and the girls got completely spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa and their aunts/uncles.  I really don't think I will need to buy a dress or toy until summer :)  Lucy told me she is SO GRATEFUL and wanted me to let everyone know that.  

This morning, after what was a pretty quick gift-opening session since most of Lucy's gifts were unwrapped, and after a few hours of opening and playing with everything, we headed downtown to the Renaissance Hotel for brunch and although we weren't trying to, we think a new tradition has been started!!! It was so nice to get up and head out on Christmas Day, and the brunch was was really great.  After naps, we just spent the day playing with Lucy as we are leaving for Mexico on Tuesday morning and tomorrow is our last day with our sweet pea.  We wanted to spend as much time with her today as possible.  I can't imagine how much I am going to miss her sweet smell in the morning (it really is so sweet) and her huge hugs.  But, she will be busy with Grandma and Grandpa, and Beth, Rob and the girls so hopefully she won't even notice we are gone. 

So, it was an amazing holiday this year and we can't wait until next year.  And, congrats, congrats, congrats to Kristy and John who got engaged this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys are perfect for one another and we couldn't be happier for you!

MERRY XMAS!

The girls and Kramer

One of my all-time favorites - this one will make the wedding video one day (although by then it won't be called a wedding video)

Our sexy husbands - Joe is wearing a children's headband and Rob is wearing a cat sweatshirt

Our studious bunch taking a little time to read

The trio checking out Abigail and Caitlin's sleeping bags - Lucy is in with Caitlin so they may have to have a slumber party this week

Some one-on-one time with Grandpa

The trio reading books, they are a studious bunch

All ready for bed - after gifts of course!!

The tree!!!!  Yes, I know the picture makes it look like it was a sad morning for Lucy, but Lucy got a table and bean bag chairs so most of her gifts were unwrapped or in the table drawers.  Next year I may have to wrap some empty boxes for photo purposes.  

My table and chairs!!

Joe stuffed our advent calendar with lotto tickets and gift cards for me - I won $17 :) 

Lucy playing with her new Doodler

And having a tea party with daddy

Checking out her baby tennis racket (look how giant the tennis ball is!!  I sense this will be more like a golf club for a while.)

WEEEE!!!  Riding in her new ride/pull/push toy for Beth and Rob.  This is really for baby dolls to ride in, like a stroller, but now she thinks it is a race car for 16 month olds

Taking her babies for a little stroll

Merry XMAS!!!!!