The last day of 2008!

So, on the last day of '08, we were undecorating the tree, and Emma was helping! I also added a photo of Emma's Jingle Bell House. This is what she calls it, and if you think about it, they do sound the same! Our babysitter, Lauren, brought the kit over one night while we were out. They decorated it together....LOVE her! Emma and I added some decorations later on.

Christmas with the Douglas Family!

Rob's parents AND grandparents came to visit us the day after Christmas, and we had a wonderful time! I didn't take very many photos...I think I was spent from the days prior, but here are a few. I love the one of Grandmother and Papa together :) We had a nice dinner...white chicken chili...opened gifts, and just hung out. Thanks to everyone for all of our gifts, but we are especially thankful for the visit!

Merry Christmas 2008!

Well, it's getting late, so, let's just say that Christmas was truly magical for us this year! We hope that it was the same for you...In the words of Emma, "Merry Misen!"

Meet Elfie!

This is one of Santa's many elves....and has been in our home since December 1st! He was dropped off by Santa to keep a close eye on Emma...making sure she is nice! He flies back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa and reappears each morning. Needless to say, we have truly enjoyed having him around!

Christmas Eve 2008

Christmas Eve was very eventful for us this year! Here is a quick run down of the photos: We went to Christmas Eve church at 5:00. Emma made snowman cookies for Santa...thanks Mama C.! Then, she sprinkled reindeer food on the front porch! We sat the cookies out for Santa and headed upstairs for a bath and Santa pj's!! I let her open ONE present. It was a book....Twas the night before Christmas. We read that story, and it was visions of sugar plums for our little Miss Emma!

Besides everything that we did....You should know that Emma was SO excited!! After sprinkling the reindeer food, she shouted, "Come on reindeers...come eat the pood!!" She grabbed my hand, walked me down the driveway and into the street...all the while looking for Santa! It was so much fun!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

I turned 27 today, and although my day was VERY busy, it was great!! Rob bought me a MyBook for my computer...a back-up hard drive. That way, I won't ever lose any of my photos!! What a great gift! He brought flowers home too and even made me a cake!! He is SO sweet!! Lauren came over to babysit, so that we could have a night out....love those! We went to dinner at Johnny Carino's (I had a bellini...my favorite). Afterthat, we went over to Baker's Street and ended up at a little wine cafe. I thoroughly enjoyed the "bar hopping" (can't exactly do that with a baby/toddler), and we both LOVED the little wine shop. We had a glass of wine and even took home a bottle! Overall, my day was great!

All Aboard....The Polar Express!

Rob and I got tickets for Emma for the Polar Express this year! Emma has been quite obsessed with "The Polar Express Movie" this year, so we just knew that she would love it! We actually had eight adults total and ONE child....yes just one!! Mama C, Papa C, Aunt Lins, Aunt Ash, Grand-dad, and Nana were able to join us, so that was a very special treat!

It was freezing upon departure...quite "polar." :) Emma LOVED the train ride~complete with hot chocolate, candy santas, dancing chefs, christmas music, and of course, the reading of "The Polar Express."

When we arrived at the North Pole, Emma could see Santa from her window. Later on, he boarded the train and gave Emma the first gift of Christmas....a jingle bell. I have to say that the night was quite magical...even for Rob and me!

My camera was on the wrong setting when Santa arrived, so forgive the photos, but if you use your imagination, you can make them out....sort of like water colors!

Thanks to ALL of our family for joining us on this special night!