Christmas In Waco

On New Year's Day we gathered with my side of the family in Waco at Uncle Adam and Aunt Angie's house.

(Unfortunately, because of our stomach virus, Uncle Ryan, Aunt Jackie, and Liam were not able to make it.  They decided that with Liam being only 5 weeks old it was just too risky and I totally understand.  I felt and still feel very badly though that we were able to take part and they weren't - when we were the problem.  Sorry guys!  And I guess, thank you for sacrificing so we could be there!)

During a quick change (for Emily) upstairs a special visitor arrived unannounced...
and we found out that he had visited Liam the night before too!
Everyone was excited to see Santa and have their picture taken with him.
While upstairs, Emily heard Santa come in and was a little hesitant coming down...
finally deciding that she was safest in my arms.

But, she did let Santa hug us...
she gave him a high five, kinda...
and we managed to get our family picture taken too!
After that it was time to open presents and Emily was all about passing them out.

She did have a slight problem with the whole "for Emily FROM ____" part and would return the gifts to the giver.
Once the opening began though she was ready to help out...
and scope out...
all of the cool stuff...
everyone got.
Leni received some pretty great clothes...
and Uncle Adam did too!
Of course, Emily did very well herself -

and was so excited to get a cool truck (with little trucks attached)...
that she insisted it be opened immediately!
She had to make a call to Uncle Ryan to thank all of them for her four fabulous floor puzzles...
and thanked Uncle Adam and Aunt Angie for her beautiful engraved bracelet at a very...
very close distance.
After all of that fun, Emily helped set the table...
and put together her first floor puzzle.
She chose the alphabet train that was 10 feet long - good thing Uncle Adam just laid new wood floors so we had a large smooth surface!
During the assembly, she would take each animal/piece over to Papa and tell him, "don't be afraid Papa, it's just a _____"...
and at the end we measured ourselves against the puzzle.


With that completed, it was time for dinner...
dancing...

and dessert!
Even the nutcracker had a nibble of his own!
It was a really fun afternoon...
and before we left we made sure to get a few pictures of the expectant mamas,
all cousins present...
and the whole crowd - in parts.


Thanks for having us - just think how big our group will be next year!