Christmas

Despite getting home quite late from New Hampshire, the girls woke us up quite early on Christmas morning.  They had a great time opening their gifts and trying out all of their new toys and things. Grammy joined us about halfway through the day, which was very nice too.  All in all, a great Christmas.

Emily's gift from Santa was a big hit! 

A combination flute and piccolo bag. 

Apparently, we did a good job hiding the last gift.... 

New chromebook. 

Putting together the vanity. 

Christmas Eve

We spent a lovely Christmas Eve in New Hampshire.  We started off by visiting my friend Janet and her family and catching a bit of the Patriots game.  We then visited with my parents (and sister and brother-in-law) at the nursing home where my mom is staying right now.  Then on to Aunt Margie's house and all of the chaos, food and gifts of a good Christmas Eve.

Emily, Elizabeth, Ethan and Owen

The girls with Auntie Kathy.

Uncle David made amazing Harry Potter wands - the girls were blown away.

Clare opening her first gifts.

Lots of baking stuff from Aunt Denise!

Nick: Week Four

Nick's last week with us was filled with adventure:

On Sunday, we found Nick in the garland on the mantle. 

On Monday, he was checking out Elizabeth's fish. 

On Tuesday, he watched the nativity scene in Emily's new snow globe. 

On Wednesday, he was on the nightlight. 

On Thursday, Nick brought Emily an ornament filled with Harry Potter books! 

On Friday, we found Nick in Daddy's stocking!

On Christmas Eve, we found Nick, as we do every year, in our tree, waiting for Santa to bring him home.  Until next year....

Family Christmas

Last Sunday, we celebrated Christmas with my family.  This year was a bit different, as my parents were unable to join us.  We visited with them before heading to my brother's house for dinner and presents.  All of the cousins were together again (we changed up the date to make sure that happened!) and we all enjoyed being together.  The presents exchange was great and the book swap was pretty fun as well.  Our time together went too quickly, as always, but we had such a wonderful time.

Lee just can't be trusted around his own children.... 

The roast beast. 

Patiently waiting. 

The taste testers say it's good - time to eat!

Her headphones broke on the way up - she was so pumped for this gift! 

Gryffindor journal. #potterhead 

Annual god child ornament. 

Mal Pugh jersey!!! 

She wears contacts, but rocked these clear aviator glasses... 

Joe and Mike both picked the Bruce Springsteen autobiography - and then Joe insisted on switching with Mike.  It is a Yankee Book Swap, after all. 

Emily received this beautiful snow globe from Auntie Kathy and Uncle Peter.  She takes it with her all around the house, often just sits and listens to the music and stares at it.  She loves Jesus and this was a big hit with her.