cHrisTmAs DaY

Ever since I got married my very favorite part of all of Christmas is when we do our own on Christmas morning. And this year was no different. I love, love, love it. Being with my own little family, drinking egg nog for breakfast, sitting by the fire and being amazed at how Tom gets all the perfect gifts every single year. And this year was even better because we weren't rushing around to different houses so we got to sleep in, take our time and really enjoy being together. And Hazel was old enough to really be a part of it all. We surprised her with her very first doll house. Tom spent a couple hours putting it together and when Hazel walked out and saw it, she said, "oooohhhh, house!", and has been playing with it ever since. Drew successfully slept through the whole thing but has no regrets.
It was a great way to start our Christmas day...

My little babes just hanging out together after presents

Around 1-ish we headed off to Grandma & Grandpa Romney's house for a yummy lunch and fun gift exchange. We didn't know that we would be lucky enough to see Joe in a onesie. Now that's a treat.

Hazel begging me for her 7th fruit roll up [this is all she ever does at the Romney's]. I finally had to hide them in the basement.

My very own Dorothy...on grandma's (wisely) plastic covered carpet

Next we were off to the Koplin's to stay for the rest of the night. We had some more yummy food [those potatoes were heaven Char!], opened presents, played rock band, hazel had to have her char-bath, and we just hung out until around midnight. The snow was coming down hard- which I LOVE on Christmas- so we almost had to stay overnight, but we trekked our way home in hopes of a good nights sleep instead [as if!].

Hazel indulging in the magic of my dad's Christmas village

Darin gave Tom ice cream for part 1 of his present...

...and he had to eat out the 2nd part [a gift card]. Serves him right for never telling anyone what he wants for Christmas. We love you Darin!

Holy cow!! I got a robot!!

Hazel got a baby with a carrier and diaper bag complete with diapers, wipes, a changing pad and bottle. She loves it!
She was so into mommy-mode in fact, that she even tried to nurse her baby...

'Mom' & baby watching the master rock-band-ers

it got really intense

so intense, it wore her right out and she needed to end the night snuggling with Kiplin in grandma and grandpa's bed. aahh, such a perfect day...
Thanks to all our family for being understanding and supportive of our changes this year and for making Christmas so absolutely wonderful. We love you!