Christmas 2010

Excuse me for the lack of blogging lately, I really have been up to quite a lot. Unfortunately however, I just barely uploaded my pictures to the computer.

Well Christmas was divine this year. It was wonderful to be home with family and even more wonderful that I could actually enjoy every minute of it without the stress of school. Christmas Eve was hosted by Jeremy and Hannah while mom and dad's house was still under construction. They definitely know how to entertain :)

After eating a delicious Italian meal, we enjoyed a very quick nativity scene by the grandgirls :)

Following the grand production, the rest of us enjoyed a great white elephant gift exchange. Thanks to mom, we had a pretty intense pass around of an actual white elephant teapot that made the game rather exciting! Luckily no tears were shed.
Then we had our real gift exchange and enjoyed sitting and talking and anticipating the following morning.
Thanks to all for a very fun night!!

Well, the following morning was delightful. I sure do wish I had pictures of Christmas morning, but unfortunately I do not so you will have to use your imagination.

Our little Avery, who is pictured above, decided she was ready for Christmas before the rest of us. Mom and Dad were laying in their bed (I'm sure delaying as long as possible having to wake up, seeing as though they were up super late being Santa's helpers), Dustin and Mariel asleep in their room, me asleep in my room, Kristin and Mike asleep downstairs, while little Avery decided she'd meander upstairs. Unbeknown to the rest of us, Avery went upstairs, found her bright pink scooter Santa gift standing next to her stocking. I'm sure she was glowing from ear to ear, but because she was alone, none of us really will ever know. She moves her stocking and leans it against some other presents and then takes her scooter for a little spin around the living room floor. Obviously Avery hasn't learned quite yet that this was killing the secrecy and giving complete evidence of her sneaking to see her presents. Then Avery proceeds to go into Mom and Dad's room and tell them what was waiting for her in the other room (the scooter). Oh well, so much for the big surprise.
If only little Avery knew what smiles she put on our faces that morning. I love being around little kids on Christmas.
Thanks to all for a beautiful holiday and for the thoughtful gifts and words that were shared. I loved every minute of it.