1st Christmas with the Babe

We had a great time this past weekend celebrating Christmas with my family!

My Dad's birthday is Christmas Eve, so we always go up a day early to enjoy the day with him.  Annabelle had such a wonderful time with her Grandma & Grandpa.  Her face lights up whenever she see's them.

Christmas is always filled with a house full of delicious food prepared by my mom.  I think I downed 3 large mugs of hot apple cider within a 2 hour time span!  My Aunt & Uncle from New Jersey made the drive down (to enjoy a warm, Florida Christmas....it was in the mid-20's at times!).  It was a real treat to spend some time with them!  We all enjoyed some board games after Annabelle went to bed Christmas eve, and the real competitive spirit between my Mom & her brother came out.  It was pretty funny stuff!

Christmas morning Annabelle was bombarded with presents.  I don't think the poor kid really knew what was going on.  Just as soon as she'd get one toy opened and start playing, it was time to open another gift.  A little overload, but it was a delight to watch.  Randy & I just sat back and drank it all in.  I have to say that I enjoyed being surrounded by a room full of new toys when it was all said and done.  It was very nostalgic in that sense.  The rest of the day was filled with more family coming to visit, our hilarious, annual "Tacky Gift Exchange" and more delicous food. 

However, at the dinner table, it was someone's idea to pass everyone's plate around the table to be filled with each dish as it was passed.

This.was.a.disaster.

A funny disaster, but nontheless.  We would forget which plate belonged to which person, people would end up with food they didn't even like on their plates...it reminded me of a scene from Christmas Vacation.  In the end, we all ended up with food in front of us, somehow.  Annie had to try a little of everything and by the end of dinner had a face full of mashed potatoes.

We finished the day with a walk and a warm fire in the back yard (plus a few cocktails for added warmth).  It was a super relaxed weekend and so much fun to share with our little girl!