Christmas 2012

We had a wonderful Christmas this year.  We missed seeing our family in CT but it was so nice to be able to spend Christmas morning at home with our own little family traditions.  It was especially a fun year because both girls were very excited about our elf Simon (picture to come) who visited during the month of December and Santa.  They were full of energy on Christmas Eve and couldn't wait until Christmas morning to see what Santa had brought for them.  On Christmas Eve, we went to the service at our church with Nana and Pop and my Aunt and Uncle also joined us.  Afterwards, everyone came over for dinner and we prepared for Santa's arrival with cookies and letters. 

On Christmas Eve during the night, we had a little bump in the road with Ellie waking up with a high fever.  The girls have been healthy since the beginning of September with not even a cold.  I kept telling myself, if we can make it through our Disney Trip and Christmas Day, we'll be golden and they can get sick but Ellie was one day short. Fortunately, with the help of Tylenol, Ellie pulled through and was able to enjoy all the Christmas Day festivities.

On Christmas Day, the girls slept in and were so excited to go down and see what Santa had brought.  They showed a ton of enthusiasm about their gifts this year which was fun to watch.  It's funny because I think they were more interested in each others gifts than their own and kept asking each other if they can share their present.  During the afternoon, we headed over to Nana and Pop's house for the annual Christmas Dinner (usually Christmas Eve but we changed it up this year) and presents.  My parents always makes our Christmas get together so special with lots of traditions and it's my favorite night of the year.  We were very blessed this holiday season!

Here are some photos from our Christmas:

The girls at mass in front of the nativity.  We really enjoyed going to church this year and it was a beautiful service even if we were there for over 2 hours so we could get a seat.  Ugh!

Heading to Church.  Wish I had gotten a picture of our family on Christmas Eve all dressed up but didn't even think about it!

Putting out the reindeer food on the deck!

Madelyn writing her letter to Santa!

Ellie writing her letter to Santa.  It was so funny to see how excited Ellie was for Christmas this year.  She told us a thousand times that "Santa is coming to Town!"

Ellie was excited to see a castle when they came down on Christmas morning! 

Bill reading them Santa's letter back to them.  Love Ellie's expression because she was really into it!

Madelyn wanted a Tiana Barbie so bad



Madelyn has wanted a Doodle Bear for a while and was so excited when she opened it.  Can't figure out why she likes it so much!



Another Barbie Movie!

Ellie got her Barbie Car like Madelyn's car!

More princess toys.  After this Christmas, we never need another Disney Princess item!

So excited about her Barbie with a Surfboard.  I have no idea where she got this gift idea!

Showing off their pink purses with charms from Santa

They love their bow holders from Nikki, Nick and Briley.  Too cute!

The girls made me plates for my plate rack. I look exhausted in this photo!

Bill with his Fenway Park gift from Grandpa!

We decided Bill needed some decoration in his new office so we got him a UR picture!

All ready for Nana and Pop's  house with her new scarf, pink purse and headband

Fun at Dinner

Ellie loved her Mickey and Minnie ornament from Nana and Pop

Santa's little helpers ready to hand out gifts

Best of Friends!

My sweet Ellie

Pop with his crew!

Madelyn and Cora were so excited they gave each other the same gift!

Waiting patiently for their turn!  It drives Bill crazy how we take turns opening gifts from younget to oldest in my family. 

Josh loved his new talking horse from us!

Favorite gift from Nana and Pop!



Looking at the calendar the girls made for her!

Meme loved her calendar of all the great grand kids!