Celebrating Christmas

Christmas was a whirlwind of food, family, and fun! On Christmas Eve we celebrated with my family. On Christmas day we gathered with Doug's family to celebrate and then with my Mom's extended family in the evening. The girls had lots of fun and even Ava got in on the action - she knew just what to do with her presents and she didn't even eat any wrapping paper this year. :-)

In all the busyness we made sure to take time to celebrate Christ's birth - the true meaning of the season. We enjoyed a beautiful service at our church Sunday morning. The children had their program since it had been cancelled the previous Sunday due to the weather. We loved watching all of the precious little ones sing about Jesus. Hannah was all smiles as she sang up front. The service ended with the Hallelujah Chorus, sung by the choir and all who wanted to come up and join in. It's always so moving. I had to fight back a few tears though, as my singing partner of many years was unable to join me... my mom was home resting because of her meniere's, which hit her especially hard in December. I missed you, Mom, and hope you are feeling better soon!

We hope that each of you were able to enjoy the beautiful blessings of Christmas. Love to you all!

Our annual visit with Santa - we always wait to see Santa once Dan, Angela and Andrew head here for Christmas. I had to join the picture this year... Ava's not a big fan of Santa.

Can you tell we love red?

Nana and Papa with their grandkids - Hannah, Taylor, Andrew and Ava (Ajla was missing)

Our annual sibling picture... we haven't changed a bit, right?

My family... minus my parents, Mirsada and Ajla

Mark, Mirsada and Ajla on Christmas - Mirsada's dad had heart surgery on Christmas Eve day so we celebrated with her and Ajla the next day

Diving into presents

"Nana, this is the best present ever!"

Of all the presents Ava got from my family, Ava had the most fun playing with Andrew's cars. Too bad I don't have sound effects to go with it.

Can you feel the love?

Photographer Hannah - not bad... aside from the goofy pajama pants

Matching Mandarin outfits for the girls and their dolls

"I love my new bathtub dolly!"

Who knew an inexpensive generic MP3 player could bring a little girl so my joy?

Ava giving her little piggy some serious lovin'

Ava just hanging around with Matt - "more, more!"

Uncle Steve helping Ava with her new blow up bed

The face says it all

Hannah was so happy to get a new outfit for her AG doll Felicity

Hannah had fun hanging out with my cousins too

Enjoying time with my dear 97 year old Grandpa B.