Christmas at Aunt Trish's House

After brunch and opening our presents, the kids played a new game that Jill's parents gave to my parents and family. It was a fun game; one that we obviously enjoyed since we arrived a little later than expected to Trish's house.

It was so much fun watching Emma play with the little cousins; one day soon she will be able to keep up with them and then they better watch out! This was out last stop before heading home; I had hoped it would be an early night, but it doesn't look like that happened.


Our car packed with just some of the presents from my parent's house; I hope we don't have too much from here.


Grandma and Emma.


Since Alex couldn't be here in person for Christmas, Trish made a cut out of her.


Emma playing with a few cell phones. She thinks she's cool now that she got 3 cell phones for Christmas.


Ashley opening her gift from her mom; we picked up a nutcracker for her.


Emma opening her present from Ashley.


Emma investigating the new toy.


Ashley is this okay that I play with it now?


Emma was still a little unsure at first.


Michael and Emma taking a quick nap.


I see you Emma and Daddy.


Tuesday going in for the hug...


and she missed.


Then the girls were each distracted by something else.


Addie trying to help Emma out of the ottoman.


Addie, Tuesday, and Emma playing in the storage ottoman.


Emma is the last one standing. That's my girl!

Our First Family Christmas

While our pups were at my parents' house, it was important that we go home last night so that we could be at our home for our first family Christmas. I woke up a little earlier than planned, but was able to get a few things ready for our busy day ahead before Emma and Michael woke up. When they did and came downstairs, it was so much fun seeing how excited Emma got over her presents. It is such an amazing feeling knowing how much joy the smallest things in life bring to a person and I'm so glad my daughter lights up my world!

After opening our presents we quickly got dressed so we could head over to my parent's house to meet with my immediate family and my Grandparents. We are going to be on the run today so we need to make sure we are on schedule...keep your fingers crossed! Watch how our day played out...


Our Christmas tree with gifts from Santa Claus.


Ornaments Michael ordered for us; even though we weren't supposed to exchange gifts this year.


Looks like Emma was a good girl this year!


Daddy and Emma coming downstairs Christmas morning.


Mama, do you see this big present?


Daddy helping Emma with her stocking stuffer.


Emma received a "My First Christmas" ornament.


"Oh my gosh, daddy! Look at this BIG present."


Emma taking a closer look at this puppy.


Emma starring at her new cell phone.


Daddy helping Emma open her present, that we later found out was the book "Guess How Much I Love You".


Emma getting ready to take a stroll with the present she got from Great Grandma and Great Grandpa a week ago.


Emma's presents from Santa Claus.


Emma loves to give kisses.


Emma making a silly face to her new puppy toy.


Emma trying to figure out how to hold the cell phone.


"Oh hold on, there's something exciting on the tv."


Daddy must have locked my cell phone so I can't send text messages.


Daddy taking the puppy toy out of the package.


"Is it ok to play with the puppy now daddy?"


Emma starring down the puppy.


And finally giving in to play with the toy.


One happy daddy and a little scared baby.


Our first family Christmas photo.


Dressed and ready for the Christmas festivities, but may need a nap before they begin.

Christmas at Mom and Dad's House

After we celebrated our first family Christmas, we got dressed and ready for the busy day ahead. First stop was over to my parent's house for brunch with my immediate family and Grandparents. I have never seen so many presents in my life! We were truly blessed kiddos this year. And I know we don't always tell our parents thanks enough for all that they do so that we can enjoy some of the finer things in life, but somewhere I think they know how much we appreciate and love them.


Papa and Emma before brunch.


My parent's Christmas tree.


Look at all those presents!


The kids' stockings.


Michael and Emma relaxing before opening presents.


Uncle Greg put my earrings on again.


Is anyone watching me?


Four Generations.


Emma with her Nana and Great Grandma.


Mama helping Emma open a present.


Emma looking at the silly monkey.


Emma got her first baseball and glove so now she is ready to play ball with Daddy this summer.


Michael got the real world series t-shirt this time.


The living room at my parent's house looked like a war zone with all the Christmas presents spread out.


Uncle Scott gave Emma a Rock n Roll Elmo.


Emma loves Elmo!


Emma was so excited to get Elmo! I think that was her favorite gift this year.


Hurry up Papa!


Oh thank you...well Elmo is almost out of the package.