Pre-Christmas: Decorating, Presents, and Cookies!

This Christmas was so fun for us and Ella.  Her first was last year, but she was still a little young.  It was such a joy to see her so excited about everything.  She helped us decorate the tree.  She loves helping us do anything.  She's always saying, "help me, help me," which is her way of saying let me help you. You'll notice her eyes closed in lots of the pictures.  Her new thing is to close her eyes when she's smiling for a picture.  Silly girl.

The finished product.  Once again, eyes closed.

Since we were going to be in North Carolina for Christmas, my family (Mom, Dustin, Tonya, Samuel, Rachel, Gram, and Doc) came up for a weekend before Christmas to celebrate with us.  It was so special as we've never been able to celebrate with both families before. 

Ella with the tree full of presents (thanks to Grammy).

Ella and Rachel reading.  So sweet.

The kids got to decorate some cookies.  They went a little crazy with the sprinkles.  I should have gotten a picture of their finished products.

Of course, Ella got spoiled rotten with presents.  It was a little overwhelming for her to open them all.  Thankfully, Samuel and Rachel were there to help her out.

Gram and Doc got her a new Elmo toy.  She loves anything to do with her BFF Elmo, especially when it talks!

Grammy got her a vacuum so she can help out when I vacuum now.  She loves the vacuum!