Elle was also introduced to Santa this year and, as with so many other things, including animals and any dressed-up characters, she loved him from afar. She would be get really excited to see him, but freak out when we got close. We even took her to go on a sleigh ride with Santa pulled by a horse and she couldn't wait the whole time in line. She kept running after the sleigh waving and saying, "Stop, Santa, come here! Come back Santa!" However, when it was our turn, she started crying when she got close to him. We figured she would calm as the sleigh started to move, but she screamed the entire time! I guess there's always next year!
We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning here at our home in Louisville, and it was so nice to begin some family traditions of our own. We went to mass as a family and then had a ham and appetizer dinner complete with eggnog and cookies that Elle and I made earlier in the week. Elle and Lauren opened just one present--new pajamas, before heading to bed early, so "Santa" could set up her big presents. We had bought her a play kitchen and it took Kyle about 3 hours to put it together, since it seems that NOTHING was put together in the box. I couldn't believe how many pieces were spread out on the floor when I came down from putting Elle to bed! Luckily, Elle's Mimi (Kyle's mom) was here to help. Elle's other big gift was a tricyle from Mimi (it only took about 20 minutes to put together!), which she, of course, loved. Christmas morning included brunch and mimosas and lots of time in pajamas enjoying Elle's new toys, before packing up for our whirlwind trip. Lauren obviously didn't really know what was going on but has become such a smiley baby lately! She's so cute when she get all happy, and still remains a much more laid back baby than Elle. Who knew a baby could sit in her swing and have fun batting at toys for 15 minutes?!?!?
We visited lots of family beginning on Christmas Day, and Elle had a blast everywhere we went. At Kyle's family in Bowling Green, KY, she went up to almost everyone there and talked to them and roped them into taking care of her new baby doll. I have never seen her more outgoing! Then, in Augusta, GA, she had soo much fun with all her cousins and can't stop talking about them. She and Grant (Tarolyn's little boy who is 5 months younger than Elle) chased each other all over the place and the older cousins were so sweet about looking out for Elle and including her in what they were playing. We definitely need to visit again soon! We also attended my parents' vow renewal ceremony while in Augusta, and I think Elle had more fun than Nana and Papa. I warned them ahead of time that you can't expect a 2-yr-old to quiet during the whole ceremony and Elle certainly proved me right. She kept yelling, "Nana, Papa, come here!" as they walked down the aisle. And once she discovered that her voice echoed in the church, it was over. She even yelled, "Oh yeah!" while we were standing at the altar for their vows. She danced the night away at the reception, and all of this with only a 30 minute nap! After the vow renewal, we were so blessed to be able to have my dad perform Lauren's baptism, since he's now a deacon. Tarolyn and Dan were the godparents and they were a perfect choice, especially since they're little girl (due in March) will be so close to Lauren's age. Our last stop was in Macon, GA and Elle always enjoys seeing her Mimi!
Here are are few pictures from the Christmas Season, but please click on the following links to see more pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=203766&l=d4e37&id=904380857
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=202367&l=c31a7&id=904380857
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