Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Eve at church

We were very blessed with lots of family and enjoyed a very busy, merry Christmas! Not quite as crazy as last year, since we didn't have to rush around because of a trip out of state on the airplane, but busy just the same.

We started out with our first of 2 trips down to Salem, to celebrate Christmas with Theo, Yvette and Amara. (my brother in law, his girlfriend and their 3 month old) We had a nice time opening some gifts, playing Wii and going out to dinner. Kalaya loves her baby cousin and got some good practice in for handing out presents and opening wrapping paper for Christmas.

Kisses for cousin

Playing Just Dance 2 for the Wii

Handing out presents

Getting in some opening practice

A princess piano!

We had family staying with us at my parents' house. My brother (Colin) and niece (Allie) arrived a week before Christmas to stay for a couple of weeks. This was a very special visit, because my brother is about to leave for his second deployment to Afghanistan. We were glad we got such a long visit with Colin and Allie. Kalaya loooved having Allie to play with every day and there was only a little bit of rivalry for toys. My aunt arrived on Christmas day to spend a few days with all of us, which was a nice edition to the holiday cheer. I was in charge of the turkey dinner on Christmas and managed to make enough food and more for all 8 of us. We went to church as a family on Christmas Eve and woke up to open presents on Christmas Day. It was really fun actually doing Santa this year, even though Kalaya still doesn't totally get it. Allie, who is 2 1/2 totally got it and Kalaya had fun following her around as we put out cookies for Santa and opened presents.

Putting out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer

"We'll wait for Santa right here!"

Kalaya got a LOT of toys. Holy smokes!! Our playroom is crammed. Her big present from Santa was a play kitchen, which was hilarious to watch Nelson put together on Christmas Eve. She and Allie enjoyed playing with it on Christmas, as well as the other toys. She got: the kitchen, a doctor kit, a tool kit, cars, a bubble blower, 2 baby dolls, a shopping cart, a stuffed Elmo, a big girl potty with Elmo big girl underwear, clothes, Mega Blocks, stuffed animals, puzzles, ornaments, play food, and a doll bed, to name a few. We have put some away to bring out over the next couple of months. She is loving it all!

Ridiculous kitchen: granite counters, stainless steel appliances, play food, dishes, pots and pans, a seat...and all for super cheap on Black Friday!

Lots of Elmo stuff

On the 26th, we went down to Salem to do Christmas with Nelson's family and have another turkey/ham/roast dinner. Kalaya got plenty of gifts and attention and had fun playing with her other cousins. She pigged out on another Christmas dinner.

Now it's New Year's Eve and things have calmed down. It's a relief to be getting back into our normal routine, but definitely sad to say good bye to family. Kalaya keeps asking, "Uncle? Allie? Auntie?" and trying to explain it to her is impossible. It's hard knowing that it will be a long time until we see my brother again, but we have a lot of people praying for him and all we can do is pray he will be safe during his deployment.

Our New Year's Eve is not going to be anything fancy at all. Just Nelson and I, if I can make it until midnight. (it's been a long day of goodbyes, I'm wiped) We have 2 new games for the Wii and we'll probably just be lazy and play those together. We are not 'going out' type of people and this is going to be perfect for the two of us. We're getting together with our friends tomorrow afternoon for a VERY laid back time of relaxing and catching up. Hope everyone has a safe and happy new year!!