Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Christmas Joy.

I recently found out that the holidays can bring out the worst in some people.  I would love to write about this here, but can’t due to my blog being “public.”  My “real life” friends and family, and Facebook friends know what I’m referring to, and I trust that you won’t comment on it here.  In an effort to move past it, I am choosing to focus on the positive, and hope you don’t mind a long picture post filled with the many moments of Joy that were present in our Christmas!

My girls and I on Christmas Eve:

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Decorating Santa’s cookies:

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Putting cookies, milk, and an Oreo ball out for Santa…oh, and carrots for the reindeer!

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Dear Santa,

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Santa came!

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Coming downstairs Christmas morning…

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Santa brought Alivia “Zambi” the pet Elephant:

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The look on Lainey’s face when she opened her Nintendo DS from Santa was Priceless!

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Alivia wanted a princess art activity set, and Santa brought her one which she said was even better than the one she asked for!

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The girls with their cousin, Kaytlin, on Christmas morning at my parent’s house.

(They were patiently waiting for my sister’s family to get there, so we could open presents!)

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My Dad, with baby Ethan:

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All the cousins!

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From L to R:  Alivia, Lainey, Alyssa, Natalie holding Alex, & Kaytlin holding Ethan.

Not pictured is Ryan James who was born today, December 29th!

 

Kaytlin and Ethan:

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Opening presents at Grandma & Grandpa’s:

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It cracks me up that Alex looks so excited here, even though what he was opening was clothes!

(He must have known it was from his favorite Aunt!)

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Lainey and Alyssa both got these “Dance Around Dora” dolls from my parents.  Lainey was so excited, because I think she forgot that she even asked for it!

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Lainey helped me open my presents when I was done.  Shawn didn’t get a picture, but I got a fabulous leather jacket from my parents!  We also got a wad of cash, which I’m trying to keep secret from Shawn (Ha!).

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These tired little ones watched a movie while Grandpa napped on Christmas afternoon:

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This last picture is out of order, but I wanted to share it anyway.  It’s from the night of the girl’s school Christmas program:

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I hope you all had a joyful Christmas as well!

12 comments:

Amber said...

Looks like ya'll had an AMAZING Christmas! Loved all the photos; the looks on your kids faces were priceless!!!

Leah said...

Beautiful family...Happy New Year sweetie.

d.a.r. said...

Gorgeous pictures!! Prayin' that everything is okay...

Christa said...

Sounds like y'all had a great Christmas!

mama's smitten said...

Wow great pics ! I especially like the one when the girls are come down the stairs! Looks like it was a Merry Christmas!

Llama said...

Everything looks so amazing! I just love how you captured the expressions on your girls faces as they walked down the stairs and opened their gifts. Just priceless!
I hope everything is o.k...you are right, unfortunately the holidays do bring out the bad in some people. Just keep on focusing on those little faces, the most important things in life, you will make it through on top.

Blair @ Reasonably Swanky said...

Looks like a great Christmas! You have a darling family!
Happy New Year!!

Amy said...

If I had it all to do over again, I would have made my blog anonymous and not told my family about it. Sometimes I'd like to vent a little more than what I'm allowed to.

Your girls are precious!!! I can't wait for the day when Jack understands Christmas a little more.

Hope you guys have a healthy and prosperous 2010!

jill said...

the pictures are precious!!! you and your girls could NOT be any cuter! we had some christmas drama too ... and i can't share on the blog 'cuz i know they'd see it. let's just get together and drink ... and we can bitch about all of 'em! haha! happy new year, friend!

Jen said...

You don't say...the holidays bring out the worst in people. Huh! Who would have thought! ;)

I'm glad that you guys had a great Christmas...it looks like you had an awesome day and the vest you are wearing is so darn cute!

I will talk to ya later.

Hillary said...

Love it! I remember hanging out at your parents house at/around Christmas. These pictures bring back memories.

Heidi said...

Great pictures. Looks like a very happy holiday for your family. Hope whatever "else" is going on is over by now! Chin up, whatever it may be!!