First we had our Christmas.
The girls thanking each other for their gifts.
We opened our presents for each other and our gifts sent from my Grandmother in Florida. Seriously, how does she do it? Something like 11 kids (including spouses), 17 grandkids (including spouses), and 11 great grandkids (and I'm sure I'm forgetting someone!) She sends multiple gifts for everyone. One of the gifts for Tess was a ballet bag with her name and a ballet sweatshirt with her name! So cute! I'll also have to post the incredible embroidery hanging she made for us. It is amazing!
Joel faithfully each Christmas gets my favorite Susan Branch calendar and the girls get a Mary Englebreit one!
I love this adorable girl, this picture just makes me smile with her cute little body in her Christmas jammies!
To keep Christmas gifts under control we have tried to keep the main gifts for the kids to three each. One need (they got those adorable hats and metal water bottles), one educational gift, and one main requested toy. Of course we also do stocking stuffers and they get one toy from Santa. Here is Tess exploring her educational gift--a book on the human body including a minature skeleton.
The main toy gift for the girls were 18 inch dolls. We don't do the whole American Girl thing, so these are Our Generation Dolls (can we say 1/4 of the price of AG dolls?) I found ones that look like each of the girls--Gracie's doll got a little haircut so it could have a bob like her. Here are the girls seeing the dolls for the first time.
Sorting through all the many doll accessories.
Tess and Lily-Anna, who is sporting her equestrian gear.
Next was our celebration at Joel's parent's gorgeous historic house.
Gracie snuggling with her Nona.
Here the girls are getting their main gift from Nona and Bear. It was a stuffed dog toy with a very sweet poem that said that when we are ready for another dog, they would like to get the dog for us! Thankfully, they also gave us a few dog books, because the debate has already started on what kind of dog we want our next one to be! Very exciting!
The girls and their new Christmas dresses from Great Uncle Craig. Way to pick 'em, Uncle Craig!
Giving a gift to Aunt J. J., who absolutely spoiled the girls this Christmas. What a generous Aunt!
Next up, Christmas Eve brunch with Joel's Grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Gracie hanging out with Joel's cousin Nathan. This is definitely a pic that is going to be turned in for the family calendar next year!
The girls and their dear Great Grandma Geva.
Here is our Gracie Rose wearing not one but two of her new tu-tus from her Great Auntie Anne and Uncle Ted. This was seriously the "Christmas of the Tu-tu" since when it was all said and done, the girls ended up with a total of six tu-tus, which is wonderful since Gracie literally cannot go one day without wearing one!
What wonderful celebrations with family in Ohio, now we are excited to head to Maryland for Christmas there!
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