Christmas Part 2 (at Nana and Papa Harding's)

After the morning at my parents house, we packed up the car and headed to Great Nana and Papa's for the rest of Christmas morning with the Clarke/Harding family.  Abby actually went right down for her nap, so we ate our delicious breakfast while she slept.  Then, she must have heard that presents were being opened, because just as we settled down to do gift, she woke up and promptly became the life of the party!

"Did someone say presents!?"

Aunt Betty showing off her new, light-up, glasses!

Uncle James rocking an awesome inflatable beard!

As Abby had some practise opening gifts at my parents in the early morning, she was a pro at opening gifts.  It did take some encouragement (and some time), but I think she did enjoy ripping the paper.  She was amazing, in that she wanted to play with each toy after she unwrapped it.  She was wide-eyed and beaming the whole time. 

Phrase of the day at Christmas with a baby: "What is it?" said in sing-songy Motherese.

Ya - mega bloks - Thanks Uncle James!

Abby's wondering if she's really allowed to play this tiny piano. Thank you, Aunt Betty.

Uncle James gets Abby properly positioned at the piano.

Our future musician!

Abby's picking through a box of goodies from Uncle Scotty and Tante Vero.

"Do I know you?"

Abby figuring out her new talking-singing suitcase from Great-Nana and Papa.

Uncle James showing Abby how everything works.

Always time for a story.

Abby with her nose so bright!

Of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without visiting more family and friends.  Visiting with the McCulloch's is always a tradition at Christmas.  We didn't get our big dinner this year - but we did get an afternoon visit.  Both Alyssa and Zach were excited to have Abby over - and Abby is finally big enough to "play" with.  Alyssa had to show Abby every toy in the house it seemed.  Zach shared his cars, but didn't want Abby to eat any of them!  It was amazing to see how much our girls have grown over the year.  Alyssa is going to be a great older cousin to Abby and it's fun to watch them interact.  It gets more and more adorable each time.  

The first time Alyssa met Abby - in February.

And at Christmas - they have both grown a lot!

Alyssa wanted to show Abby everything - we had to remind her Abby can't walk very quickly yet!

We also had a last minute visit with Uncle Dennis and Aunt Deb - thanks for the photos Uncle D.

One of our only "family" photos!

We were also glad that Aunt Betty was healthy enough to be home for Christmas and that she could be a part of Abby's first Christmas too!  We spent a morning with Aunt Betty and Abby was fascinated with Betty's walker.  She loved pushing it around Betty's living room, and then even enjoyed the ride she got afterwards!

Of course the puppies love Abby, especially at mealtimes!

We are so grateful that we were able to share Abby's first Christmas with our families and are especially grateful for all the gifts and love she (and we) received.  It was a great holiday and one which we won't soon forget!