Christmas 2008

Sit back and relax...there are a ton of pictures.

Dec 23, 2008:

The girls & I went over to Grandma & Grandad's to help decorate the Gingerbread houses. At one time my Mom & Dad used to decorate 12 of them for our friends & family on Christmas Eve. This year, it was only 3. A lot of kids have grown up and don't get one anymore :)

This was the one that we got to take home. I made sure it was clearly marked (JNR2) since Rachel coughed on 99% of the candy! lol

The other side of the house.

December 24, 2008:

I had Rachel help me organize the presents that were under the tree. We needed a couple for that night and then some for Boxing Day as well. I figured it would be best to organize it before the hustle and bustle.

Rachel was an awesome helper!

She even tried to get the presents from the back corner. Unfortunately she was too little to reach them so I had to go under the tree. It was quite the sight because my hair ended up getting caught in one of the ornaments and then another part of it was caught on the tree itself. Oh joy, oh bliss! While I was 'stuck' under the tree I heard Rachel say "Here Nat-knee" and then I heard tissue paper. Yes, they were opening presents! I took Natalie's away in time - and she didn't seem to mind either but Rachel already was digging in to hers by the time I got 'unstuck' lol

Rachel even lucked out and got the present that had her name on it!

It was a present from my friend Linda - very cute pj's and some other things, too!

Rachel had to put the pj's on right away!

Before going to Church we put some cookies & milk out for Santa. You just never know when he might arrive, right?

Of course Natalie was ready to taste test the cookies :)

After Church we headed over to Grandma & Grandad's for their annual open house. We were the first to arrive so Rachel & Natalie got to open a present. Matching Mickey Mouse pj's!

She doesn't look impressed...

...but she really was quite excited!

Uncle Michael stopped by and dropped off a present for Natalie (he is her Godfather) so Rachel and Mommy helped her open it.

Natalie & Uncle Michael sharing a moment after he opened his gift from Natalie. I found these really nice glass coasters and I put pictures of Michael & Natalie in each one.

Auntie Donna & the boys were there as well. Here's Auntie Donna hanging out with Natalie while Mommy was getting another drink :)

Rachel got more presents that night so she was very happy. Shane was close by if she needed a hand with the gift. As it turns out, she's very good at opening them this year!

Natalie went to have a little sleep so Rachel opened one of her presents. The girls did so well considering they are usually in bed every night at 7pm.

Grandad & Rachel thought it was important to put Natalie's ride on toy together.

December 25, 2008:

Christmas Morning...

Santa left lots of goodies for the girls. Natalie's are on the left and Rachel's are on the right. The books are to be shared (well, so is the rest of the stuff, too)

Santa also left a vanity for Rachel and a chair and some pretend food for Natalie.

Natalie couldn't wait to check out the fun toys!

Mmmmm...yummy ice cream!

Fancy shoes = happy girl

What a diva!

Natalie decided it was time to look under the tree for some presents to open

What a good girl - checking the tag to make sure it's for her :)

Rachel & Daddy opening presents. Daddy got a great gift - a new drill! He was (still is) very excited!

So happy to be opening presents with Grandma

Yay - a new doll!

Oh Grandma - I love my new dress! I think I'll wear it tomorrow!

Rachel thought the place was getting a bit untidy so she tested out her new vacuum.

Grandad opening one of his gifts. I blew up this picture, cropped out the date and then made it black & white and framed it. It looks AWESOME if I do say so myself :)

Waiting patiently for Grandad & Daddy to put one of her toys together

This was one of Oma's gifts. Instead of just giving her a blank photo tray I decided to go through the pictures of the girls and make it a 'special' gift. It's hard to see in the picture but I did their handprints and then in the middle is a poem about Grandma's - except I changed it to say 'Oma's'. I love the look on Natalie's face in the background! :)

Rachel helped Casey (Oma's dog) open his present. He loved the toys!

Getting ready to eat dinner....the crazy hats are the best part!
Rachel did a pretty good job putting the hat on by herself

December 26, 2008:

Playing with some of the new toys before we headed to Oma & Cha Cha's

Love the expression on Natalie's face

The best present ever!

Rachel helping (again) Natalie open a present

Having a blast at Oma's house. They're not used to sleeping in the same room so they were having a great time - giggling, talking, etc! It was cute to hear! It didn't take them long to settle down and they slept right through the night.

December 27, 2008:

Won't the boys love her - high heels & a vacuum!

I love this picture so I had to post it!

It's hard to believe another Christmas is over and the New Year is just around the corner. I wanted to take the tree down today but Ron called me Scrooge...so I'll wait until tomorrow! ha ha I took the cedar off the mantle today because it was getting too dry and some of it was falling down. I don't want Natalie to eat that :)

Ron is off this week so it's going to be great to have some quality family time. We may go visit his Aunt & Uncle tomorrow but if not, I'm ok with that, too. The tree WILL come down tomorrow at some point!!! :)