Back In Time -- Christmas 2008

Ahhh, the iconic images of Christmas.

Even though we've started this blog in January, I feel that we should go back in time to when we really started loosing touch with family. Christmas 2008. To say that we enjoyed this Christmas with Abby compared to last would be a huge understatement. This year, we got to see her eyes light up with surprise, her wondrous smile, and her extravagant hugs and kisses of appreciation. It was a true delight for us.

Christmas '08 was a busy day. It has become a tradition for us to travel to our families' houses on Christmas, and in all the hustle and bustle we feared for Abby's patience. Up until Oct/Nov, Abby was not doing too well when visiting friends' homes. She would, in fact, scream and writhe and beg not to go inside. Even bribing her with Nemo (her favorite movie) wouldn't help. We warned our family that they might have to settle for a drive-thru Christmas -- hi and good-bye and gifts at the car. But Abby surprised us. Not only did she go right in, she even talked to everyone!

Our first stop was Shawna's house for Christmas brunch. Mm mm good! Waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, fresh fruit, whip cream, and COFFEE (thank you Shawna!) Boy, did we need coffee. Shawna, Naomi, Nate, Josh and his wife, Aunt Karen and her beau, and all the cats and one dog were there. A myriad of gift-giving ensued, and a sea of wrapping paper littered the floor. Abby received books, dolls, clothes, and a fun car tower. Thank you everyone for the gifts! And a BIG THANK YOU to Shawna for your hospitality and great food!

Before we knew it, it was time to go. Over the hills and through the town to Grammy's house we go... Having been stuffed with good foods for breakfast, it was easy for us to skip lunch to prep ourselves for Christmas dinner at Mom's. Maybe. Whew! Dinner was excellent, coming in as a close second to her Thanksgiving feast. Though no one played "see-food" we still had fun.

I think we all know what comes next: more PRESENTS!!

Unbelievably, Abby received yet more gifts. And though we shook our heads wondering where we could possibly fit all of her new things, we couldn't help but grin at her delight. It was a wonderful day! Thank you Uncle Mikey for the kitchen set. And thank you Grammy for the bike. And a BIG THANK YOU to Grammy for Christmas dinner!

That last one is a picture of a very happy little girl on Christmas day. The first Christmas day she truly got to experience. Thank you everyone, friends and family near and far, who shared this Christmas with Abby through cards, well wishes, or gifts. Thank you.