So this is Christmas...

Christmas this year was so fun with Ava. We wanted to start some new traditions now that we are starting our own family (like openings presents with Ava at home on Christmas morning) so the family (us, Tyson & Rachel, Josh, and Mom & Dad) all went to church together at Prairie Lakes, where Tyson and Rachel attend, on Christmas Eve. Ava sat very good during church, as usual, with the help of a couple snacks. After church, we headed back to our house for some snacks and games. Ava even opened her presents from us. She received new shoes, a trike, a farm animal book, clothes, Mega Blocks, new jammies, and her very own chair! She was so cute tearing off the tiny pieces of paper and handing them to everyone. The new trike was a big hit!

Trying to get a family photo.
Practically holding her down, but we got it!
Coloring with Papa. As my dad would say, "Papa's Girl! Papa's Girl!"
Loving the presents!
Getting the hang of it.

Here, Nana, take this paper.
The new trike!

Kisses for Mommy!
She hugged me unprompted, as if saying thank you for the new trike.



Christmas morning we had more gifts (from Santa). And let Ava enjoy some cartoons in her new pink chair while we got ready. Ava got a puzzle, books, her favorite snacks, and some kids movies from Santa.

Still looking pretty tired checking out the loot from Santa.
Drinking milk and watching cartoons in the new pink chair!


We then headed to my parents around 10:30 for brunch and of course, more gifts. Ave received many nice gifts including a wagon, puzzles, lots of clothes and jammies, a sock monkey that she loves, a refurbished rocking chair that once belong to Mommy, a cradle for her babies, and much more. We were also informed that Santa will no longer be stopping at my parents house, except for Ava (and any future grandchildren, of course). We spent the day and evening there and played too many games of Scattegories to count. We finally had to stop because Darren and my Dad were arguing every answer. Ha!







The day after Christmas we slept in, had breakfast, and then headed to Wes & Cindy's for the afternoon. We had lunch with then and then I was able to take a nice long nap on the couch while we were there. When I finally woke up we played a few games of Farkle and another card game that Wes and Cindy taught us. I won, of course. Ava was very good the whole day, even without a nap! She played with her toys and sat in her highchair and colored while we were playing cards. We didn't celebrate Christmas with the Malcolm's because we are doing that this coming weekend at Mark & Jody's in Hampton.

Looking at the kitties out the window.