Merry Christmas...

And so, the time has arrived.... and looking to be as exciting as promised. I didn't share earlier, because these were Christmas presents... but I made one of the little nutcracker ornaments for both Abbie and Reagan.... I try each year to make them an ornament and maybe one day.. they will have a tree of their own, filled with ornaments made by "baby"....I also want to make each of them a Christmas stocking.. but that didn't happen this year, so it's top of the list for next!!!!! 

It turned out that my "day before the day before" didn't come out so quiet... Sadie called and said that Abbie wanted to come back for an overnight.... which meant that we could have her here for Christmas Eve morning and thus we were able to have some "one on one" time with her... (since there are so many other family members that want to have her too...)  So, when Papa arrived home from work, there she was......

I found this little game in a wonderful toy shop.... it's called "the Honeybee tree"... and you pull out the "branches" and see how many "bees" drop into your tray. The object of the game is.. "the one with fewer bees ..wins".. but Abbie decided that "bee keepers" like bees, so she changed the rules and said.. the "one with the most bees wins".... we must have played this game a hundred times and the moment Papa arrived home... he just had to stop everything and play!!!! 

So, Christmas Eve morning, we were already enjoying opening gifts and seeing the happiness on Abbie's face with the gifts that Santa brought early, and the ones that Baby and Papa had found....

This year it's all about "my little ponies"... which is really funny, because both her Mom and Aunt were into these "ponies" at just about her age....wish now I had kept all those "ponies" from before....

It was so nice to have the day together.. Abbie got to play with her new things, stay in her pj's and we had fun ....

Then, we got dressed and met up with everyone for church. We went down to the church that Kass and Nate attend... and fortunately, went quite early, because we were able to find some seats ... in the back!!! The church was beyond packed!!! (too bad that isn't a weekly occurrence!!!) It was a very nice service and I really enjoyed being there. 

Debbie was with us as well... she was so good, and hardly anyone even knew she was there. Seems I have a different dog every Christmas!!!

After church, we all met at Rachel's house. Abbie and Naomi were so happy to be together.... they had a great time playing with Reagan and just being two little girls waiting for Christmas....

Tried to get a "good" photo of these three... but for this year... impossible!!!!

Then it was "jammie's" time... so that when little ones fell asleep on the their rides home.. they could easily be tucked into bed afterwards.... and look who is starting the climbing up stage!!!!

Debbie seemed to keep a careful eye on him!!!!

What a gift it is to have the whole family together.... I love making, buying and giving presents... no doubt... but I have come to the point in my life where.... this is the real gift.... four generations of one family all together, celebrating the birth of our Lord!!!!

Christmas kiss...

and just a few presents opened.... because tomorrow... everyone will be off in different directions.....

laughter....

and surprises......

Now, Christmas morning we were at Kass and Nate's... they have taken over the Christmas morning breakfast.... again.. a houseful of family... we were joined by Deb and Dave... Lauren,Sean and Deb's Mom.. plus my Mom and Dad.... watching Reagan enjoying his first Christmas morning....

And that great little toy shop where I found the bee game... had all the great toys.... I think Reagan enjoys his top.... (with a little train that runs round and round....)

spending time with Papa.....

My Mom "found" this peddle car at (of all places) the local thrift shop!!! It is in great condition.. and though it's just a tad big for him to really use now... he seemed quite fascinated by it... (and sat in it for the longest time)....










"come on Camille"... the day has just begun.... Now.. me.. the camera guru... who hardly ever is NOT taking pictures of everything... suddenly found a camera with no Batteries!!!! (and of course, did I think to bring the extra with me... NO)... so... you have to be sure that the rest of the day went just as wonderful. 

From Kass and Nate's it was onto my parent's house.... where we were joined by my sisters and their families... more excellent food... and gifts of course... but still for me... more time spent together. And as the day (sadly) came to a close... I can say for fact.. that this was yet again another wonderful Christmas... and I am sad that it will be tucked away for another year..... there is much to look forward to, but I am always sad to see Christmas night.....