Early Christmas with My Family

Since my sister was going to be out of town for Christmas we decided to get together for my side of the family's celebration early.

So nice to have a home to gather in.

Here Angie starts to learn that there are toys inside the packages.

Angie was in a good mood.

Here Angie has fun bouncing the new ball Stephen and Aunt Darby got her.More presents, here Angie is opening the little pearl bracelet Grandpa Bob and Grandma Kris got her.Darby got Andy some Nerf guns.
Mischevious Andy loved them.Andy showed his gratitude by shooting Darby right between the eyes.
She wasn't too happy but Stephen was.Angie had fun playing with everyone.Stephen and Darby got Grandpa Bob and Grandma Kris a Boccie Ball set. We went to the park across the street to play.Angie wanted to play along as well.

Angie loved being outside to play!Stephen and Darby had fun too.

I love to watch Angie just run around, she is just so cute!She loves playing with her Daddy.After playing Boccie Ball we went over to the neighbor's to see their Christmas Trains.Angie just loved it and loved being a little social butterfly.

Here is some video of the amazing train setup.

Next Angie naturally went dancing along to the Christmas music over to her friend Reagan's house.

Then we went back to the house to target shoot at Darby.

Then some target shooting at Steven.

A family picture :)Angie gave Grandpa Bob a great big goodbye chat and hug.Once family left we went down the street to the trains again to give the Marines our toy for the Toys for Tots drive.Angie bumped her head while we were there. The face in this picture just makes me want to scoop her up and cuddle her all better.Our generous neighbors were able to collect about 300 toys for the Toys for Tots program.There were six Marines there and a great Christmas spirit in the air.

Church Holiday Party 2009

Here is our family picture with Santa. Yep, you guessed it, Angie cried in fear so this is the best picture we got.

Here is Angie's friend Reagan and her Santa experience.

Angie and her friend Kendra. So sweet!

This was our church's Christmas Party. The cookie decorating table was awesome. We had a good time and love those we serve with.

Holiday Pictures 2009

We had our holiday pictures taken and invited Grandpa Bob and Uncle Cameron to come and be in a few since they work so close by.

Angie did okay at first with the pictures.

Picture with Daddy.

We then had to use Grandpa Bob's cell phone as a bribe to stay for more pictures.

She was all over the place so it was hard to get any poses so we have lots of action shots.

She really gives such wonderful hugs.

Needless to say next time we do formal pictures will be with someone outdoors without a fixed camera so they can chase her around.

Stories with Grandpa Bob

Grandpa Bob is so diligent with coming by each week and we all enjoy spending time with him, especially Angie.

Costco Christmas Dress

After Church Angie wanted to go on a walk to the neighbors home to poke at the penguin decorations. She cannot resist poking their eyes and beak.

Angie loves playing with the tree and is very gentle with it.

It might help because we put the non-fragile ornaments on the bottom. Just cute!

Sing Noel

I participated in our church's Christmas Concert named Sing Noel.

Such a wonderful experience to bring the Spirit of Christ into our Christmas season.

O Holy Night is the grand finale with the adult, young women and children's choirs combined. It is so powerful to hear these 200 voices singing together about Christ's birth.

Family photo courtesy of Andy.

Angie had lots of fun running around with lots of family members to chase after her.

Our House Guests Leave :(

Angie and Sara had fun dancing and for the first time Angie started spinning around. I think it is just darling to watch.
Our friends Brandon, Jenny, Sara and James left today and we will miss having them around. It actually worked out wonderfully for us having them here for the week. I was super sick one of the days this week and Jenny took care of all the kids and made dinner while I took a hefty nap. We look forward to seeing them again soon.

Christmas Decorating

Here is Jenny in heaven cuddling with three little angels.

Angie got a darling cradle and doll from her Great Grandpa Ray and Great Grandma Maureen. Great Grandpa Ray made the cradle and Great Grandma Maureen made the doll and bedding. Something to cherish.

Angie is starting to show lots of interest in dolls.

Me and my good friend Jenny. We decided to start pulling out the tree to decorate.

It was nice to have Brandon there to decorate the top of the tree.

Sara was such a good helper.

Angie was also a good helper.

Angie loved having the tree out.

It was a very good time.

Here is Angie sampling the ornaments.

Ornaments that were not fragile were put at the bottom of the tree for some reason.

I love this picture of one year old Angie looking at baby's first ornament with a picture of baby Angie.

Nice tall Brandon puts the angel on top of the tree.

Sara being silly. Special thanks to Andy for taking the pictures :)