Joseph and Friends

Rachel must have thought he was lonely.

Christmas Day

This was the most fun I've had on Christmas morning in more than a decade.  Having kids at Christmas revitalizes the whole experience.  Our morning started with Doug, Rachel, me, Aunt Melinda, and Grandmother and Granddad South.

Santa was very generous.

The instant Rachel saw her present she stopped in her tracks and began signing doll.

It took Santa's elves a long time to find the perfect doll.

I think she was perfect.  Rachel didn't even want to put her down to open other presents.

Santa brought her one of her favorite treats.  Fruit snacks.  Everything halted again while she indulged.

Rachel received many wonderful gifts.  Doug and I tried to keep our gifts to her to a minimum.  But, her aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents (on both sides if the family) spoiled her.

 

 

Notice the beautiful doll cabinet in the background.  Rachel LOVES it!  I played with it as a little girl.  I can hardly believe that we got to take it home.

At 8:00am we went to Mike and Tessa's house for delicious Christmas breakfast with our family and neighborhood friends.  Then most of the family came back to Grandmother and Granddad's house for more presents.  Sydney brought her American Girls doll to show everybody.  Her face registers their early morning and not the absolute love she had for the doll.

Nanette made scarves and hats for both Doug and me.  Yahoo!

 

Even Arial (my parent's dog) got a new toy for Christmas.

Rachel loved her loot.  She played with it, with Sydney, and anything else she could find for hours and hours and hours.

Merry Christmas everyone!  Check out this fun video of our Christmas 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0rlaCHAiDE

Christmas Dress

I cannot remember my first Christmas dress.  But, I remember loving the special dresses we got each year.  It is so much fun perpetuating this tradition with Rachel.


This year her Christmas dress came with a matching dress for her doll.


 

This dress holds another distinction.  She was wearing it the first time she really admired herself in the mirror.  She was all dressed, ready for church.  I looked down to see her twirling and smiling at her reflection in the oven.  The moment was priceless.




I look forward to many more of these priceless Christmas moments, Christmas dresses, and Christmas smiles.