One of my favourite part's of the holiday season is getting together with family and friends. We were so happy to be able to spend some time with Leanne, Joad and Jennie. It is so amazing to watch the girls -- they just love their playtime together.
We waited for Paul to get home from work and then we had a potluck dinner and caught up on family news. After dinner the girls played their favourite game -- running after each other while pushing shopping carts or strollers. It is so sweet to listen to them giggling and shrieking while they run around the house.
We then gathered in the living room and the girls opened their gifts. Is was so much fun to see the excitement on their faces as they began to understand the gift exchange ritual. They loved tearing off the paper and playing with their new toys.
Afterwards, we put the girls in their pyjamas and tried to get pictures of them together. Maelyn pulled Jennie onto her lap and the two of them just couldn't stop laughing. They were all over each other -- hugging and then falling over together, launching themselves into the cat beds and falling forward onto their stomachs. They were hilarious!!
We love that the girls are going to be able to grow up with one another and we are looking forward to many more Christmas celebrations together...
The next day we prepared for our next celebration, this time with Paul's family. We were excited about getting together with his cousins -- especially since it was our first gathering with his extended family.
We spent time together talking, laughing, and getting to know one another. His cousins are all wonderful people and we loved having them get to know Maelyn. We enjoyed a meal together and then celebrated Andrew's 40th birthday.
Maelyn loved playing with Andrew's kids -- especially Robin. She copied everything that he did and was his shadow the entire night. They spent much of their time chasing the cats! Neltje helped to look after Maelyn and Robin during dinner, which was a huge help.
We loved getting to know more of Paul's family and we are looking forward to regular family gatherings.
On Sunday it was my Dad's birthday and we celebrated with a yummy sushi meal, ice cream cake and presents. Maelyn especially loved that she got to visit with Auntie Kara, Uncle Cam and Jake!
I don't know who was more excited about the cake....hehe!!
Later that day we snuck in a visit with Auntie AM and Julia. We were so happy to be able to see them before they left for Sarnia.
Maelyn loved the sled they got for her!!
The ornament they gave her is one where you can record her voice -- a great memory of her first Christmas with our family. Maelyn, however, thinks that it is a phone....she keeps holding it to her ear and saying 'Hello?'
Julia opening her gift from us....
What a weekend! Packed full of time spent with family and friends -- the best kind of weekend, especially during the holidays.
2 comments:
kids in pjs -- is there anything cuter?
glad that despite all the health issues you are enjoying the season.
Missy is too funny with her "phone"
enjoy this holiday with her -- they grow up so fast.
I love love love Maelyn's reaction to opening presents - I have seen that amazed face several times and it just touches my heart that she is so excited.
Merry Christmas, friends!
Post a Comment