Christmas!

We had a wonderful, yet busy, holiday season. A baby's first Christmas is always a special memory, and Nora seemed to enjoy the decorations and lights around the house. She even got into opening her presents a little bit! It was also a delight to watch Grace get involved in the magic, excitement and anticipation of Christmas this year. We decorated the tree(she did the bottom third with all of her unbreakable ornaments. It was very stylish!) We baked and decorated several batches of cookies, looked at Christmas lights, sang lots of carols and watched Christmas TV specials when we could. Grace even had a couple of lines in the children's Christmas program at church. She had a bit of stage fright but was able to squeak out one sentence before the program was over. We were so proud! :) I was hoping to do more crafty things with her than I did, but hopefully next year I'll work it in.

We celebrated with my mom's extended family on Christmas Eve. It is always a treat to see all my cousins/aunts/uncles. As we drove home from my uncle's house that night, Grace was wired on the 5-6 chocolate chip cookies she ate that I didn't know about. She was asking question after question about Santa. After a few seconds of quiet, she said, "Mommy, we don't have a fireplace! How will Santa get into our house?" I was impressed that she realized this already, and I kind of left my answer open-ended: "Well, he is pretty magical..." At home we were getting ready for bed ("I have to get to sleep so Santa can come!!"), and she pointed triumphantly at the cool-air return vent in our hallway. "I know! He can make himself really small and come in through here!" "I bet you're right, Gracie."

Christmas morning, we had some sweet time as a family, opening presents and enjoying some time with each other. Soon afterwards, we headed to my mom and dad's for brunch, more gifts, more eating, and hanging out. The kids were a hoot! Christmas is so much fun with kids around! We were incredibly fortunate and blessed by all of our family members this year. All four of us received lovely, thoughtful gifts.

Waiting for Grandpa to pass out presents!

So exciting!!

Nora's first Christmas

Playing with her new dollhouse in her new Tinkerbell robe the day after Christmas. What a life!

On a personal note, I felt really busy with everything I wanted to/had to do in preparation for the holidays this year, and it interfered with how I hoped to experience Christmas. I desperately wanted time to slow down and soak it in, but there just wasn't TIME. I learned my lesson for 2009 - don't take on so much!