December: Week 5 of Trip

On the morning of December 19th, Emily discovered some newly wrapped gifts!

She was very thrilled that several of them were for her...
as she placed them all under the tree.
Later, she sat down to eat lunch and do a little shopping.
That afternoon, Susan and Lucy came over for a visit! Emily napped most of the time but did get to play a little and pose in the group shot.
On the 20th, we drove south to meet up with some friends at the park. When we first arrived, Emily was showing off Everett and staking her claim - all at the same time.
She had a great time running around and playing with all of the kids.
We tried to get a good group shot. This is my best. (L-R Jack, Adelyn, Everett, Emily, Josh, Grace, and Mike.)
I am sure glad we got a chance to play and for me to talk (at least a little) with my friends Kristy and Katie!

On December 21st, Everett tried a new snack - Baby Mum-Mums. They were met with mixed reviews.

On the 22nd, Emily was introduced to her LeapPad for the first time. I have them from when I was teaching and Emily loves it.
Then, that afternoon, we were off to pick up Daddy at the airport! Hooray!
On December 23rd, we joined the whole family for some pictures of the grandkids. I will share that video. It was a fun and crazy time!

Then, December 24th/Christmas Eve finally arrived! Emily and Daddy started the day baking cookies for Santa.


Emily made sure to do a little taste testing while decorating.
Then, she helped Papa assemble some chairs for the big crowd coming for dinner.

And Everett just watched, excited about all of the fun!

That evening we went to mass...
ate dinner with the whole family, and at the end of the night, Emily put out treats for Santa and the reindeer.

Best night of the year!