Another Christmas Has Come and Gone...

My Granddaddy always said that every year. I miss so much the excitement of going to my Grandparents' house on Christmas Day. Although all of my grandparents passed on several years ago, I can't help but reflect on those cherished Christmases each year. It is so wonderful to spend Christmas with our family now, but to me Christmas Day will always make me think of country ham breakfasts with all of my cousins, aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, and my sweet, loving Grandmother and Granddaddy.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were very busy for us. We went to Scott's grandparents' home on Christmas Eve for their gathering and then to my Aunt Polly's home later that evening. This picture is of Kaitlin and some of the kiddos at Aunt Polly's house---notice Uncle Jody stayed right with the kids.
Christmas morning was exciting. Kaitlin came to my room to wake me up, and I had to remind her that it was Christmas Day. She asked if that meant it was Jesus's birthday. When I told her that it was, she said, "So I can open my presents now?" I then had to tell her that she could finally open them, and that Santa Claus came as well. She was so excited to see everything. She got more than she has had time to play with yet, and it's already January! This is Kaitlin with some of her gifts. She was trying to show off her princess dresses on the ottoman there--she loves those!
Scott and Kaitlin were really good to me. They got me some nice new clothes that were greatly needed and appreciated. Kaitlin was so very eager to help everyone open their gifts.
We went on to Scott's parents' house for breakfast. One of Kaitlin's gifts from them was this Smart Cycle. Pedaling is a bit difficult for her, but she'll get the hang of it.
Scott's parents gave us season passes to Holiday World and some other gifts as well. I just had to show this picture of Scott with his favorite gift of all....just kidding. His mom asked if there was anything we needed, so I told her we needed a can opener. Scott didn't think too much of getting a can opener for Christmas, so he wasn't very happy about it....not that you can tell from the picture.
We visited with the Dillards for a while before moving on to my parents' house. Uncle Jody and Uncle Ricky were there waiting as well. We got to enjoy yet another breakfast/brunch with them. I always make sure Dad has a country ham ready for us (he wouldn't have it any other way). Kaitlin got lots of princess dolls and Cinderella toys there, so she was a happy camper. I was so excited to get a Dyson vacuum cleaner! Believe it or not, Scott was pretty happy about it too. He even broke it out of the box and tried it out right there at their house....I know...I should have taken a picture!

By the time the gift-opening was over at Mom and Dad's, it was already 4 p.m. We took Kaitlin home for a much needed nap. Later that evening, she FINALLY got to play with some of the toys she got. Poor thing was on the go all day that she didn't get to play with anything for very long. I asked all of Kaitlin's grandparents and Uncle Jody to come over that night to spend more time with all of us. The truth is that I wanted them to open/unwrap/assemble all those toys. It worked out great for us! What is the deal anyway with putting 500 ties/binders on every little toy you open? You'll love this picture of some of the little elves in action. They enjoyed that fishing game as much as Kaitlin did.
Here are a few more pictures from during the holiday season. Kaitlin and I always exchange gifts with Ella Kate and Amber right before Christmas. Do they look ready or what?
Ella Kate gave Kaitlin this Cinderella dress. She absolutely loves it! Ever since our trip to Disney World, Kaitlin has been in love with Cinderella. She watches the movie every day and role plays those characters quite a bit. Lots of fun!!
The girls participated in a Christmas program at church. They sang really well and did pretty much all the movements. On the third song, Kaitlin decided to sit down....too funny...Ella Kate of course followed suit. She later told me that sometimes she likes to sit down while she sings!

I have lots more to post from the last few weeks, but I'll have to save those things for another day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!