Christmas 2012

Our Christmas timeline was a little rushed this year since we didn't make it back home until the 21st.   But we channeled our innner-elfs and somehow managed to have all the decorations up, presents wrapped, and formal introductions made between Susannah and our new elf on the shelf Sam.  All by December 23rd.   It was a lovely few days that we will cherish forever.   Here are some of the highlights.....

Susannah was feeling really yucky the day after we got home, so our morning out in Coronado was cut short.

But not before we had a cupcake to help us feel better.

By Christmas Eve she was as good as new and ready to go see Santa. 

"Are we taking the wagon Mommy?"

"I'm ready when you are!"

She was much less terrified than last year, but she still wanted Mommy and Daddy with her during her Santa visit.

She did tell him that she wanted a pink balloon for Christmas and blow him a good bye kiss, so I would call that a pretty successful trip.

I know this picture is blurry, but we started a new family Christmas Eve tradition and I wanted to document it.......eating lunch at a sketchy ethnic restaurant.   This year was mexican, of course.   Susannah LOVED her rice and beans. 

And Mommy loved her shrimp burrito.

After church and bedtime for Susannah it was time for Daddy to get to his elf-work.   Here was the finished product.   (A great big thanks to all the grandparents and aunts and uncles that contributed to Santa's cause.)

We each had two stockings.....one from San Diego and one from Tennessee that Grammy had sent.

Our presents almost overtook our little tree.   We didn't think we had time to justify a real tree, so Peter found this little artificial one.  I figure it can be Susannah's tree for future Christmases.

Of course, we had our beautiful nativity from Madagascar.  (Maybe in our next house we can find a better setting for baby Jesus than our cable box.)

Here is Susannah playing with her Minnie Mouse bingo game.   (Thanks Aunt Susan and Uncle Andy!)

She was a little overwhelmed I think.....she didn't want to finish opening her presents because she wanted to play with each one.

Daddy helped encourage her to open more.

Santa even brought Meadow some new tennis balls and treats.

Susannah loves giving treats to Meadow.   She says "Sit!" with such authority.  

Susannah opened these new pjs and wanted to wear them immediately.  

Notice the wardrobe change in this photo.  

Daddy wanted to wear his new UGA windbreaker too.   Susannah LOVES her grocery cart and groceries.  (Thanks Grammy!)

Daddy set the basketball goal up in the backyard and she had a great time trying it out.

So fun!!

Our best friend Leyton came over a couple of days after Christmas to play with all the new toys.   We walked to the park and they were so sweet holding hands on the sidewalk.

Susannah's other big present was a little table and chairs for her room.   (Thanks Mimi and Poppy!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have already had a number of very fun tea parties at this table.   Susannah LOVES it!

This Christmas, we are especially grateful for all of the good that God has put in our life.    Here's to a Happy New Year and a 2013 filled with hope, joy, and love.