I have to admit, part of the reason I've delayed posting is I hate the new format for Blogger. Makes things way more complicated than it needs to be, but you know the saying - if it ain't broken, fix it. Or that's what they think it says....
Christmas this year was an adventure as always. Brianne loved the Christmas tree and constantly asked for us to turn on the "sparkles" at night. She didn't do too badly with the decorations this year, so at least we had that blessing - no broken ornaments! We continued our tradition of going to Hallmark and picking out a family Christmas ornament, which was a major adventure. Rambunctious two-year old + Hallmark displays = lots of new gray hairs on mommy's head. I was never so glad to get out of that store in my life! But we love the ornaments we picked out and will have the story behind them of trying to corral Brianne.
Santa had to drop off Brianne's present early this year because it was just too big to haul around all night. Luckily, it fit perfectly where we wanted to put it and Joe was able to get it put together without trouble. I had to stall Brianne with a bath while he was finishing it off, so by the time she was turned loose, she was a little upset. So much, in fact, she was fixated on where I was and didn't see it at all! But that was quickly corrected and she's been in heaven ever since. Bev and Amy had given her a tea set and some accessories to go with the big Santa present, so she had plenty to play with right off the bat.
The rest of Christmas came after church the next day and while she may not have had a zillion things to open, she loved everything she got. Especially getting to tear all the paper away!
I snagged the picture below of Brianne enjoying a piece of broccoli. First time ever and I didn't even have to get her to try it!
After opening presents Christmas afternoon, we headed north to visit my family and have Christmas dinner. Took awhile to get there, but it was nice to see everyone again for awhile. My future sister-in-law made a yummy dinner for all of us and they showered Brianne with presents, which she gladly tore the paper off and played with. As we were waiting for dinner, she suckered Bethany into watching Cinderella with her. Doesn't she look comfy? She just LOVES her Aunt Bethany and constantly mentions her. :)
It was a long night getting back home and we were so glad to be back in our beds that night. We're looking forward to some peace and quiet now that the holidays are over so we can start enjoying the new year and the joy it will bring.
