Christmas 2008 - Part 1

At the rate I'm going it'll be Christmas 2009 before I post on Christmas 2008! It's been a busy last few weeks around our household as we've been out of town and also had family over staying with us. Now that life is settling down a bit I'll be packing up my bags and Elena and I will be heading back to Grandpa and Grandma's house for a few days since Grandma is off from work. Life never ceases to have fun, exciting things for us to look forward to!

Elena's first Christmas was a very fun one, if I may say so myself. She will probably never remember it herself but from a mother's perspective, I think it was just grand!

We spent lots of time with family! On the 23rd when we got to my parent's house we got to spend some time with my aunt, uncle and cousins. Oh, how I love them! And they scored major points by giving Elena a very fun book called "Bathtime".

Yes, Elena's love for bath time is known by many!

My cousins Becca and David hadn't met Elena yet. I think they get along with her just fine!

A little shout-out to the Priebs and Redekops!

Did I tell you that I love my cousins? They are pretty silly - just like me!

We celebrated Christmas with my parents on the 24th since we were going to be gone on the 25th for a day trip to Michael's grandparent's. It was fun to exchange Christmas gifts with them and for Elena to get a few new "necessities".

She liked her new pants so much she decided to eat them!

You can never go wrong with a new rattle/toy.

And Elena even got to open a present that came all the way from Michigan! Thanks Auntie Rox and Tessa for the beautiful blanket! Elena loves it!

And then in the evening we joined our dear friends the Penners (and their children and grandchildren) for our traditional Christmas Eve. They lived in Spain also and every year we would go to their house for Christmas Eve. Now that they live in the same town as my parents we have the privilege of being able to continue the tradition! Unfortunately, we had such a good time that we didn't hardly take any pictures.

The guys hung out together and played a game...

...and the kids played together. Here is Elena getting a sweet, little kiss from Josiah!

The Christmas festivities continued the next day...Christmas 2008 - Part 2 coming soon!