Christmas Part 1

As usual, our family took part in many phases of Christmas this year because of out of area and extended families. The Saturday before Christmas we ventured over to Mom and Dad's house to share Christmas with Jacki, Bill, Dawn, Ryan and Brittany. Chris, Sarah, Madeline and Gabriel were also present, but we didn't exchange presents with them at this event...stay tuned for Christmas Part 3 for those festivities!

The sitting room was set up with piles of presents for Madeline, Gabriel, Charlotte, Ryan and Brittany (Our family decided just to give gifts to the kids this year). Madeline passed by and said "I wonder if these are for me?" but was otherwise very calm. We all sat around chatting and watching as all the kids "played." Here are a few shots of the action.



Check out the bling on Ryan's ear!

Brittany looking stylish as always. Side note - I actually made good choices when I bought clothes for her at Forever 21. I can prove it - she is wearing one of the shirts on Facebook. I've still got some sort of fashion sense after all these years. Too bad it doesn't translate to my own wardrobe!

Gabriel practicing his sitting skills

Aunt Jacki with Madeline and Gabriel

Gabriel getting some love from his big sister

I wonder what they are talking about?

Uncle Bill and Gabriel


Once everyone had arrived, we enjoyed a yummy dinner of barbeque and all the fixings from Dixie Bones. Charlotte hadn't taken a very good nap earlier in the day and was evidently exhausted enough to fall asleep like this -


As most of us were finishing up our food, Madeline had finally begun to crack under the pressure of all the gifts in the other room. My Mom told her that when everyone was done eating we could open presents, so she looked around and said "I think everyone is done now." Charlotte was still tuckered out!



Let the present opening begin!

Love this picture of Madeline and her stuffed penguin from Jacki

Feast your eyes on Madeline's reversible pink sequined princess cape!

Gabriel enjoying a taste of his new truck.

Charlotte smiling are her new favorite toy - her monkey Rolo!

Madeline listening intently as I described what her present was.


Charlotte loved the presents she got! She got a cute baby doll, Rolo the monkey, the Fisher Price Super Star Stage, and a cute rubber ducky ornament from Jacki. Bill and Dawn got her an adorable outfit, a cool elephant soft stacker and a savings bond. She also received a very special rocking chair from Nana Catherine. Here is Dad sitting in the chair with Charlotte. (yes, it is a kid sized chair, but Dad is still sitting in it)


Phew! And remember, this is only Christmas part 1!!