A Very Merry Christmas Wrap-Up

Well, we made it though Christmas in one piece and all have lots of goodies. Josie is one spoiled and very lucky girl.

Aunt Jessie arrived early Christmas eve and the festivities began. Nick made an Italian feast that night and once again, I didn't take a picture of the food- too much going on. Josie remembered Aunt Jessie right away and they picked up right where they left off- having a blast together. They didn't leave each others side all week!

Christmas morning came and Josie woke at her normal time. We waited for Aunt Jessie to get up and then we started opening presents. Dada and Josie opened their stockings first. 

what she had been waiting for- her new car

                                              

                                              

After we finished we put Josie down for a nap and drank about 3-4 mimosa's each and had some cream cheese coffee cake! We figured Josie wouldn't get a nap that afternoon, so we ate lunch at the house and then headed to Mansfield for the rest of the evening. Every year we say we aren't going to buy many gifts, and then the living room looks like this...

Then we tried to get a picture of the three kids

there she goes...hahaha

Then it was time to open! Nick played Santa and handed out all the goodies. 

Josie loved her baby doll from Aunt Keri

and Uncle Frank. She played with it all night 

 Early the next morning we headed to NY. This was the worst drive we've had in 6 years. The weather was terrible and a total white out for most of the drive through OH. Once we hit PA it let up, but very nerve-wrecking with a baby in the car. We were a little behind schedule, but still had to stop in Buffalo to get some wings. They hit the spot, and it was nice to stretch our legs for a bit. Josie only napped for 30 minutes going up and then fell asleep on the short drive to Lewiston.

It took Josie a few minutes to warm up to her new surroundings, but once she started sharing ornaments with Great Grandpa, she was good to go. Grandma Betsy made a special mac and cheese dinner just for Josie, but she wasn't too hungry. Too many new things to see and explore.

Grandpa also gave me a very special ornament. I've

been eyeing this for years. 

Friday was Daddy's 32nd birthday! We planned a special get together at Aunt Marsha and Uncle Bills house  that night and had a great time. A little earlier we had to make a pit stop and take a very special picture for Great Grandpa. There is a bench in town, dedicated to Great Grandma in front of the house they got married in. It's very rare when all the grand kids are in town together, so we had to get a picture of everyone. We were missing Karen and Phil and wished they were with us. 

At first we tried to take a picture of just the great grand kids, yea that didn't work out so well. The boys were very sweet to Josie, she was just really overwhelmed and nervous. She hung close to Dad all night long. And monkey of course.

I don't think Dad was too thrilled with his I.O.U

singing happy birthday 

Round 2- fail

all the grand kids

Liam was helping blow out candles

We had a very blessed Christmas again this year. It's always nice to get together and celebrate with family.