Christmas 2010

I know its not fair to play favorites, but I can't help myself. Christmas 2010 is the best I've had in several years. Last year, my father suffered a stroke on December 26th and we spent that night and the remaining several days at various hospitals. Christmas 2008 we were hoping and praying that I wouldn't lose Katie as we were having several complications. Maybe its the experiences of the last couple years that have made me appreciate having my family here, and relatively healthy (a few exceptions to this list in 2010). Or maybe its the fact that having a child changes how you see Christmas and the blessings in your life. Whatever the reason....this one has been a favorite. Now to the good stuff - the pictures of Katie. I know you all don't come here just to read my babble - ha!

Christmas Eve we headed to off to St. Matthew's - our church here in Richmond - with my family. Nana, Papa, and Greatgrandma Lucy spent Christmas in Richmond this year. It was so wonderful to have them at our home!

It was extremely difficult to get a good picture of Katie with Nana, Papa, and GreatGrandma. All she wanted to do was investigate Nana's earrings.

On Christmas morning, Katie woke at about 6:30 (she normall wakes up anywhere from 6:30 to 7:15). Matt and I put her into bed with us for about 10-15 minutes of snuggle time, then headed downstairs to open our stockings. Katie had to stop and check out the tree before stocking time started.

Katie had NO problems figuring out the stocking process. She even helped Matt and I open ours. She also didn't seem to mind that all of her stocking stuffers were extremely practical gifts - Desitin, Bath soap, Baby Lotion, and a car window tint. Oh - and a slinky. She really does like the slinky.

After we opened our stockings and had our Christmas breakfast, my family arrived. We opened presents and left quite a mess. FYI - Katie is responsible for the packing peanuts being all of the floor.

On Christmas night, snow started to fall and it continued through the next day. I still can't believe we actually had a White Christmas here in Richmond. Katie's face says it all....

On Sunday, Matt and I got Katie outside to play in the snow for a little while. I had been debating whether or not to buy Katie a snowsuit. Then I found her cousin Brayden's old snow bibs in a box of hand-me downs. Even though they are navy blue - and boys clothes - I couldn't care less. The bibs fit her, keep her warm and dry - and have saved me a little money. Thanks Angie and Brayden!!

The best part of Christmas 2010 - its not over yet. We still have a few more family celebrations to go. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the family over the next week. Love and Happy Holidays to everyone!