Merry Christmas!

This Christmas was so special this year. Having a baby brings so much joy to the holiday! Even though Avery didn't really have a clue what was going on, we had a lot of fun with her.

We started the holiday off by attending the 2:00 pm Christmas Eve service at Faithbridge with Bill's fam. I absolutely love this service every year. Ben Stuart did a great job making the message relevant to each person in the audience. Now that I'm a mom, I felt like I could relate more to Mary this year. It's amazing to think that Mary gave birth to an innocent, helpless baby who would eventually become our Savior. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the presents and decorations and forget about what the holiday is all about. Thankfully, the Christmas Eve service always seems to put our minds and hearts back on to what is important.

After church, we came back to our house for dinner. Avery took a good long nap, so we were able to prepare dinner and eat. What a wonderful Christmas present she gave to us- a peaceful meal. Bill did a great job making his deboned, stuffed chickens and ham. What a great chef he is!

The group after dinner (minus Wendy who was taking the picture)

Avery woke up just in time for presents. She didn't want to miss out!

Mesmerized by her gifts

Getting some love by her Great Nana

Grace wanted some love too- she is ridiculous!

We had such a good Christmas Eve with Billy's family! After everyone left and Avery went to bed, Bill and I watched It's A Wonderful Life. Several years ago, my dad forced my sisters and me to watch it (it is 3 hours long and black and white so I wasn't thrilled at the idea). I loved it so much that I forced Billy to watch it when we first got married. He really liked it too. It is such a good movie that just makes you feel happy after you watch it.

We didn't have to be anywhere until 3 pm on Christmas day, so we were able to have a relaxing morning. We had a breakfast of cinnamon rolls (for us) and peas (sorry Ave, that doesn't sound too appetizing!)

So excited!

Stocking time

Ignore my awkward position- she was still lopping over in the sitting position at this point

The sweet book that Bill made for me. I literally had a few tears well up as I looked through it.

Loving her new kitchen

Around 2 pm, we headed over to my parents house to drop off Shelby before going over to my Aunt and Uncle's house.

Passed out in the car

Shelby could not have gotten a better Christmas gift. She LOVES riding in cars. It made her day. Notice that she has shotgun and not me!

Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures over at my Aunt and Uncle's house. We stayed the night at my parent's house that night so I snuck a few in there.

We left her red shoes in the car so picture them on her

Getting a little sleepy

But not too sleepy to open a few more presents!

It had been a while since she had slept in another place so I didn't have very high expectations. She did great, though! She even slept in until 9am. We were shocked that she did so well.

The next morning, Papa and Jackie came to do yet another Christmas (I loved that they were so spread out so I didn't get stressed or overwhelmed). We had some brunch, followed by presents, and then game time.

Loving on Jackie

Showing off her new cell phone

One side of the table

...and the other

We are so overwhelmingly blessed to have great family to spend Christmas with. We made some fun memories, and I cannot wait until next year when Ave understands it all a little more!