Merry Christmas

What a Merry Christmas it was!! We started out the holiday with Daddy getting the flu on the 23rd :( Mommy did everything she could to keep you as far away from him as possible.  The good news was it only turned out to be a 24 hour stomach bug, but the bad news was it left everything down to the last minute for mommy to do which didnt' go well. It was almost like a tornado touched down in the condo. And while you were totally packed thanks to Rachel, Mommy and Daddy were not - nor was the car packed.  You also got to enjoy your new playmat from Rachel.  She also got mommy and daddy an ornament with your footprints on it and a personalized mug.  

I did at least think a little bit ahead and while Daddy didn't feel good on the 23rd, Avery and Mommy headed out to Barrington with a car full of presents to drop off at Nana and Papa's house.  We also went to our annual Egg Harbor brunch with the Barrington Group but decided since the group is so large and there are so many kiddos we would have it at Megan's parents house and got Egg Harbor take out.  It ended up being a great option and really relaxing, we were able to chat with everyone and see some out of towners - Caitlin, Billy and Rory.  Shame on us though we didn't take a photo, next year. 

As Daddy started to feel somewhat better we headed out to Barrington for Christmas Eve.  We changed our tradition a little bit this year.  Normally we rotate celebrating at Nana and Papa's or the Larsens however since you are so little and it would be a little to difficult to take you there and bring you home so late we decided to take a bi year.  Last minute Mike and Janice Campbell decided to join us in on the phone which was great.  We had king crab legs for dinner and you entertained us all just being adorable. 

We woke up on Christmas morning ready to celebrate the joy of giving and even though you didn't' really understand what was going on around you, it was so special to share our first Christmas all together. We first had breakfast - my favorite egg casserole, cinnamon buns and fruit.  Then we opened up stockings, you made out like a bandit just with your stocking.  After that and a brief nap for you we opened up all the presents under the tree which took us quite a while to get through.  Between the dogs tearing through paper and you trying to open goodies we had a wonderful time and feel so blessed to be able to share the memories together as a family. 

our traditional yummy Christmas breakfast

Avery's stocking

Daddy, Brisco, Mommy and Avery getting ready to open presents

She's so excited she can barely contain herself

Papa and Avery

Nana, Avery and Papa in front of the tree

Mommy and Avery opening your stocking with the doggies at attention

Papa being silly with antlers opening his gift; framed photos from the Breeder's Cup

Avery and Daddy opening your stocking; you're so excited about your butterfly teather

Playing with your new polar bear puppet from Great Aunt Jane

Kisses from Abigal

Brisco, Avery and Abigal post presents

We had our traditional Christmas night dinner, ham, sweet potatoes, cranberries and corn souffle. Daddy was feeling so much better so he joined us for dinner.  

Avery, Mommy, Daddy and Brisco Chrismas night

Great Aunt Jane, Mommy and Nana in our Scottie Sweater from Jane