Christmas at home

This was the first year in our married lives that we did not travel for the holidays. It was actually the first time ever that Christopher did not fly home for the holidays. There were a lot of things that went into making that decision, but anyone who has traveled with a year and a half old would understand. We were sad to not see the Poplins, but we did look forward to making the best of it and having a relaxed Christmas at home. It was nice to not have to deal with the stress of traveling. We got our Christmas tree the first weekend in December. Courtney loved the tree almost as much as I do. She quickly learned the word 'tree' and would say it constantly. It was the first thing she would say when she woke up. She liked the lights on it and would wiggle her finger at them. One night we took her to Hastings Ranch to drive through the neighborhood and look at lights. We got a couple ooohs and ahhhs from her, but not as much as I had expected. I think she was already a bit too tired to thoroughly enjoy it.

We spent Christmas Eve at my parents house and opened our gifts with them. Courtney took one item out of her stocking and then was over it. We helped her along with opening everything else, but at this age it is easy to get overloaded. We spent Christmas day at home and it took a good few hours to get through the gifts we had bought as well as the ones the Poplins and Bradleys had sent. She seemed to really enjoy her new toys. She played with each one and seemed to have trouble deciding what to do because she wanted to play with them all at the same time. Of course the wrapping paper, bows, and boxes were a bit hit as well. I made my first holiday meal at home (with Christopher's assistance). It turned out really well and we were able to eat at a normal pace and in silence during Courtney's nap. It was wonderful.

Today we took down the Christmas tree and boxed up the decorations. It was sad. I love Christmas and I was also sad for Courtney. I wondered what she is going to look forward to now as soon as she wakes up? Will she be disappointed that there is no tree when she goes downstairs? Of course, she really didn't seem to notice much of a difference and didn't complain at all, but I will miss hearing her little excited voice saying 'mama, treeeee'.

I've always loved this advent calendar my mom made when we were all little. Apparently Court likes it too.

Christmas morning at home. Lately she loves pushing the laundry basket around the room. I couldn't resist adding the bow to her jammies.

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. My sister and her family flew down to California and joined us for the first time in almost 10 years! That is definitely one of the difficult things about her living in a different state. We rarely see her at the holidays anymore, but we were so thankful they were able to come this year. My brother and his girlfriend also flew in, so all of them plus my grandma made my mom's house quite full. We drove out there nearly every day during their visit. Courtney and Maddie are getting closer to being able to really play together. I'm hoping that in the next year or so I will get to hear them chatting or singing along together. We took lots and lots of pictures of the kids and also quite a few group shots since it is so rare that we all get together. We all had a lot to be thankful for this year, but I was especially thankfully to have my family all together.

It's so hard to take pictures of kids this age (my kid was the most difficult)

One of our holiday traditions is designing unique rolls. Good job this year, folks!

We took the kids to a nearby playground a couple of times. Courtney loved the swing and it was the first time she wore shoes! Yeah I know some people think it is weird, but I felt like she didn't need any until she could walk well enough to be able to use them.