Christmas Celebration #1

On Friday we bought our tree and got it all decorated.  It's always so much fun to look at all of the ornaments and remember where each came from as we put them on the tree. I was reminded that I need to get a "Baby's First Christmas" ornament, as there wasn't one for EJ from last year.  Either that, or I can take one of the 3 from Hope's first Christmas and just change the year.  It's tough to be the 2nd child.  EJ was very into decorating this year and, amazingly enough, is leaving all the ornaments on the tree!  She loves to look at them, but has only pulled one off which got such a dramatic reaction from Hope, I doubt that she'll even attempt it again. It was definitely a fun family night . . .

. . .until Mommy dropped the pickle ornament!

I had no idea that the pickle ornament was so special!  Hope was in hysterics as soon as she saw it in a hundred pieces on the floor.  As soon as she started, EJ joined in - for sympathy, I guess. 

Luckily we were able to move on eventually and get it finished.  Just in time too! 

Big Pappy, GT, Ben, and Bryce came to town on Saturday and we had our first "Christmas Celebration" of the season on Sunday morning.  The kids had all the anticipation of Christmas morning as they woke up bright and early.  They first had to get all of the gifts from Hope's closet and return them to their spots under the tree because the night before, they had snuck them all upstairs and told us the Grinch had come and taken them.  Thankfully they were returned and we had a great time opening them all.  The kids played and played with their toys until it was time to take them all back to the airport.  It was a short, short trip, but lots of fun!

Now I'm off to see where I can find a new pickle ornament.  And a Baby's First Christmas ornament from 2008.