As a child (and even as an adult) I’ve always looked forward to Christmas and wondered what gifts I would receive. I can’t believe how these feelings have completely changed since Brittain was born.
Although Brittain may not understand the real purpose of the day yet, she very quickly caught onto the fact that she saw many wrapped gifts…and they were all for her. Dan and I made a decision that we weren’t going to buy any gifts for each other. It was going to be all about Brittain. I can’t tell you how much fun we had purchasing gifts for her and then deciding which would be from Santa and which ones from us. I realized the change in me when I knew that I would never need a gift for the rest of my life, because seeing her face light up brought me more joy than I could ever get from anything else.
I’m sure it’s no surprise to you to see that Brittain was spoiled this Christmas (by us and the rest of her family, of course).
Christmas morning at our house. A little sleepy, but not too tired to play with her new toys:
At Gramy and Papa’s house:
The Gills showered Brittain with tons of great clothes. (She’s already like her Mama. She LOVES pretty, new clothes. :-)):
Mimi and “Doot’s” house:
Brittain and Uncle Matthew compare Santa hat styles:
This picture cracks me up because I remember the moment so well. This was the first gift that Brittain opened – Pinky Pie.
Doot made a special purchase of the set of Harry Potter books:
Her very first cash gift. I think Cec and I were more impressed than she was:
As Christmas quickly approached, Brittain was a part of a few pre-Christmas festivities to help get her in the spirit.
Dan, Brittain and I were honored this year to be asked to light the Advent Wreath at one of the services in December. Dan had to rush out of the service to go to work which is why he’s not pictured here.
We also continued with tradition by attending the yearly ornament exchange with some of the women mom and I go to aerobics with. Last year was our first year being a part of it. Before writing this I looked back to the pictures from last year and I couldn’t believe how much Brittain had changed!
This year they decided to have a beach theme and we were instructed to come in beach attire regardless of the weather. It seemed crazy, but we did it. It was 40 degrees outside, but we wore our “beach best”…and froze our behinds off!
At the end we received our party favors…a new pair of flip flops!
It’s also become tradition to celebrate Christmas with some of our closest friends. You’ve seen many pictures of them on this blog, but I can’t include these pictures without talking more about how much this group of people have meant to us since Brittain was born. We attend church together and have kids around the same age. (Brittain, Emma Kate and Robert are one month apart.) We’ve all supported each other and our children have already developed special friendships with each other.
Last year at this time the babies were just a few months old. Although having to take time to give a bottle, we were able to make conversation and visit. What a difference a year can make. This time was spent chasing them around in an attempt to make sure no one got hurt. I don’t think any of us got a word in. It was pure chaos…but fun chaos. Let me take the opportunity to say now, since I’m sure I wasn’t able to that night, thanks Bradley and Alison for hosting us!
Robert Evans:
Justin, Kate, Leah, and Robert Evans. What a picture perfect family:
Bradley shows Brittain some of Emma Kate’s toys:
Emma Kate and her mommy:
Steve and Erin were smart. They left their kids, Will and Gracie, with a sitter. Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately for them), they were able to help take care of all the OTHER kids that were there:
This Thanksgiving was busy (as all Holidays are these days), but it was great fun and quite different from previous years. We started out Thanksgiving going to Gramy and Papa’s house (Dan’s parents) on Thanksgiving day. There were no less than 22 people there! Among the group were Dan’s grandparents from Texas, along with Dan’s aunt and her family, and Gary and Jenn Gill (cousins) came from Boston. It was wonderful being able to spend time with family who we don’t get to see often. Dan’s mom did an amazing job planning out the day. She made it enjoyable and relaxing for everyone there (unfortunately, I don’t think she was too relaxed until it was all over).
The next day we packed up the car and headed to Athens to Cecilia and Matt’s house for Thanksgiving Day 2. Not only was it Cecilia and Matt’s first Thanksgiving as a married couple, but to make it even more special, Matt’s parents had come down from Boston to also share the holiday. The day was fun, and the feast was unbelievable as we all ate our share of Northern and Southern dishes.
Coming together was the best part of these two days. It didn’t matter where we came from, we all sat down as a family and celebrated the time together. I felt so blessed looking around and knowing the love and support that surrounds Brittain.
