Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We were lucky enough to celebrate with family for 3 days. First, we enjoyed an afternoon Christmas Eve service with my Dad, Karen, and Matthew. Lily was thrilled to hear the Christmas music of the violins, flutes, and organ. She stood throughout most of the church service so she could see the violins at the front. After church we went over to my Dad's house for dinner and presents. Lily received a new baby doll and high chair (that she quickly turned into a potty chair/high chair combination). We got a great video of her playing with this and she was in heaven. As she opened the doll she exclaimed, "Ooh, just what I wanted." She also loved twirling and running around in her dress-up princess dress (I guess she's finally reached this fun stage). The next morning the first thing she asked as I got her out of her crib was, "can I go downstairs and play with my FAVORITE doll." So cute! Needless to say she had a lot of fun at Papa and Grandma's house on Christmas Eve.
When we got home, Justin read T'was the Night Before Christmas and we put out cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. Then it was finally time for a good night's sleep.
The next day Lily slept in until almost 8am and I was excitedly waiting for her to wake up so we could see what Santa brought. Justin videotaped her coming down the stairs and we captured the moment when she saw what Santa left. "Santa brought my violin!" She was beaming! It took us a long time to open gifts this year because she wanted to play with each thing that she got. I'm happy that she was so happy. Santa also brought a baby for the bathtub, stickers and markers, and yummy treats in her stocking. However, the violin was her most requested gift. In the two weeks or so before Christmas when someone would ask her if she was ready for Christmas Lily would reply, "Santa's going to bring my violin." I guess Santa has ears everywhere and he heard her wish even though she refused to sit on his lap. Lily was also thrilled to see that Santa ate most of his cookies and the reindeer ate their carrots.
After opening gifts and eating breakfast at home, we drove to Grandma and Pops house to visit for the afternoon. Lily enjoyed passing out gifts to everyone but she wanted to make sure she had more presents to open too. Even though she had fun opening a white horse she named Buddy and a cute market/food stand (that we're keeping at Grandma's house), a basket full of art supplies, and a few other things, I think the highlight of her afternoon was eating the candy, cookies, and chocolate cake for dessert. After she gobbled up her piece of cake and asked for more (and her request was denied) she told us that she thought she should have Grandma's cake (again, request denied). We enjoyed a great Christmas Day together.
Our third round of Christmas took place when Justin's parents arrived on Monday afternoon and Lily was excited to see them. We waited to open presents until the next day to spread out the giving and allow her time to play with what she'd already received. Grammy and Granddad were very impressed with her violin playing skills and medical expertise (she received a doctor kit from us since she's loved giving us shots lately with her play spoons and knives). They brought Lily a baby doll bed, a computer, and a fun Sesame Street Memory game. So far, we've played this Memory game about five or more times a day. She loves to play but doesn't always like the turn-taking part. Mommy and Daddy don't get many turns but we do get to set up the cards. I guess the concept of playing fairly and turn-taking will take a little practice.
Christmas 2011 was a very happy holiday and we were glad to be able to celebrate with such wonderful family. We're looking forward to 2012 and the arrival of Baby Brother (who was not left out of the gift giving). All of the grandparents gave him a little something too.
