christmas part 1

Christmas is a magical time of year and I could not wait to spend it with my family this year. This Christmas brought many firsts for us-this would be the first as a family of four, the first Christmas in our own home, the first time we hung twinkling lights outside, the first time our children experienced riding in a sled, and the first Christmas that Little Miss L. understood on Christmas Eve she would leave out cookies for the big guy in red in hopes that he would leave her some goodies in return.

This Christmas did not disappoint. It was filled with family, friends, lots of food, and we ended up having a white Christmas after all. Christmas Eve day was spent in my old neck of the woods. We had a nice visit with my grandma, followed by gift opening at my parents, followed by a scrumptious meal where we were pleasantly surprised when Santa and his elf made a guest appearance. It made Little Miss L.'s Christmas, I have never seen her get more excited than she did the moment she saw Santa walking towards her. After our visit from Santa and elf we made a quick stop at a family friends Christmas gathering, it was a beautiful party and I wished we could have stayed a while longer but the kids were beat and they could not wait to get home to leave out their goodies for Santa.

Uncle Brady and the big guy.

I love love love those baby blues.

Little Miss L. realizes Santa is coming to visit her.

Her reaction was absolutely priceless. She had the biggest grin on her face as she waved  and yelled 'ho,ho' to Santa.

Santa and his elf brought goodies for the kids.

Baby D was not to sure how to react.

Little Miss L. was excited to receive a gift but she felt it was also necessary to give Santa one as well. She ran around the house looking for the first thing she could grab, she decided to give Santa a coaster.

Our family photo for 2011.

Mom, should I really let this guy hold me?!?!

Santa and elf with their babies.

I must say this is a pretty cute looking elf.

I have said it before but I will say it again, I have awesome parents! The hubby and I had no idea they would be surprising our family with a visit from the North Pole.

Bye Santa, thanks for the visit.

Little Miss L. could not wait to show off her new high-heels from Santa.

My two handsome men.

These three mean the world to me. I was so lucky to spend the holidays with these beautiful  people who make me smile every single day.

Little Miss L. was pumped when she received her new red wagon/sled.

Baby D opens his very first Christmas present.

Check in tomorrow to see how the rest of our holidays played out. We hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend.

highlights of christmas 2010

Our bellies full, the presents unwrapped, it is now time to unwind from all our holiday festivities. This Christmas, we were able to look back at the past year and reflect on what we are thankful for. Being surrounded by friends and family really reminded us of all the things we are grateful for including love, health and happiness. Little Miss L. loved all of the action that took place around her. Here are a few highlights:

Our neighborhood is also famous for its "Älight at Night" Christmas celebration where all homeowners light their properties with numerous candles roadside on Christmas Eve which brings in visitors from all over the area.

 

The display involving over 100 residences is based on a Spanish Christmas tradition called luminaria.

After taking in all the lights, Little Miss L. could not stay up any longer.

Yippee, it is Christmas morning!

Wow, where did all these presents come from?!?!

Hey everyone, I am ready to open all these presents!

Finally! Little Miss L. could not get enough of all the wrapping paper.

This picture explains it all - complete chaos Christmas morning.

Little Miss L. and her first toboggan!

This was way more fun indoors.

Christmas would not be complete without a plate full of homemade goodies.

still looking for that perfect gift?

With only 2 more weeks of shopping left, many of us are scrambling for the perfect Christmas gift for someone -- or maybe everyone.  If you fall into this category, I would like to share a gift idea for the little ones on your list.

My daughter received a really cute book from her Godmommy for her birthday.  This book lets you record your voice while reading each page.  Then, when the reader turns the page, they hear the recorded voice played back to them.

These books are called recordable storybooks and I think they are a great personalizable present that works at Christmas, for birthdays, or anytime.  Many of them have stories expressing how much the child is missed and/or loved, which is a perfect theme.  You can add your personal touch to the story and record over and over until it is perfect.

Little Miss L. often picks up the book, eagerly flipping the pages to hear her Godmommy, who lives out of town. Once she recognizes Godmommy's voice, it makes her grin from ear to ear.

I recommend this idea to anyone who has to go extended periods without being able to spend time with a loved child. 
Record a Story: Sesame Street, Together at Heart
Record a Story: Guess How Much I Miss You
Record a Story: Guess How Much I Miss You
Record a Story: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas