Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's House






We showed up at Grandma and Grandpa's house with 2 very excited kids. The kids went right to the Christmas tree and almost immediately tried to open presents. Grandma and Grandpa let them start, not wanting to get in the way of 2 very determined children! Oh my, there were so many presents. Aunt Diana, Uncle Brian, Jacob, and Michael showed up just a short while later. Jacob and Michael soon joined in the flurry of wrapping paper and presents. Grandma prepared an outstanding lunch. We had to leave soon after eating, since the kids were overdue for a nap. By the time we got home the kids were fast asleep. After waking from them naps, they finished opening the rest of the presents under our tree. We enjoyed the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying all the goodies Santa brought and family gave. Thank you, thank you, thank you to our Turner Family for all the many wonderful presents!

Christmas Morning






We woke up pretty early, as we had to head the the airport at about 7am. The kids were very excited that Santa visited! After rousing the adults, we met under the tree again and let the kids go after the presents! In the first photo Andrew is holding a letter from Santa Claus. The kids had so much fun, but stopped opening presents about halfway through, because they were busy playing the toys they already opened. We rounded everyone up, loaded the cars, and then headed to the airport to drop off Grandma Lisa, Aunt Katy, and Papa. After returning home we opened a few more gifts, but didn't finish since we had to get ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Christmas Eve






We had a wonderful time on Christmas Eve, as Papa, Grandma Lisa, and Aunt Katy drove from Tucson to stay the night with us. They had an early morning flight to Portugal, so we celebrated Christmas with them on Christmas Eve. When they first arrived, we hung out around the house until Justin got home from work. Then we headed off for an Indian food dinner at a restaurant about 3/4 mile from our house. The kids were barely hanging in there (Eva's bedtime is usually around 6:30pm), so we rushed home. At about 7pm we gathered round the Christmas tree and opened presents. After playing for a wee bit longer, we put Eva to bed. Andrew and I rolled out some gingerbread and baked some cookies for Santa. Then I put Andrew to bed and the rest of us followed shortly thereafter.

Fantastic Handmade Goodies





These wonderful present came from Aunt Tricia and Aunt Cheryl. They generously sent us lots of goodies, but these presents are extra special! Aunt Tricia drew the card for Eva's Birthday and drew the picture of Andrew. Aunt Cheryl made the elephant romper for Eva and also made the play food for the kids. Many, many thanks!!

Yes, more pics of Eva's birthday





Sorry, Dan's camera is so darn good, that I just have to post these.

More pics of Eva's Birthday






These pictures come from Dan, Eva's grandfather, and his professional grade camera. Waaayyyyy better than my photos! I know, I know, it's a lot of the same, but I just love these!

The Afternoon of Monday, Dec 17






We played around the house and the backyard a bit.

Monday, December 17






So, yesterday was Eva's actual birthday. We didn't do much, but we did open gifts from me and Justin. In the morning Eva and Andrew sat down and opened gifts together. What joy to see the kids having so much fun. I can't believe the year has already passed. Too bad I was so sleep deprived during most of it, so I don't remember as much as I'd like to. The first year is definitely the hardest and it's wonderful to cross that threshold. Forward and onward toward the (terrible) twos. This is my favorite age-- when the kids are 12-18 months, the time is golden.

Eva's Birthday Party






We had a small gathering on Sunday to celebrate Eva's first birthday. Everything turned out surprisingly well, especially since we made most of the big items. Justin made the cake- a sheet cake for guests and a gigantic, enormous cupcake for Eva. I made Eva's outfit. We had a light brunch including 3 different kinds of quiche, baked praline french toast, croissants, fruit salad, and meatballs. Thank you loved ones for attending!

Eva pushing Andrew around



Gingerbread decorating at our house




We also decorated a gingerbread house. ooooohhh, how Andrew has a sweet tooth!

Gingerbread House Party






Grandma rounded up the grandkids and had a gingerbread house decorating party a couple of Saturdays ago. Here are a couple of photos taken courtesy of Grandpa.