Marlee's First Christmas

We kicked off Christmas with 4:00 Mass. Our church is undergoing a major renovation, so we attended the children's service in a giant tent in the parking lot. The tent was packed shoulder to shoulder. The children's choir sang, and I got excited thinking about Marlee sining in a few years. Right outside the tent was a live nativity, complete with real sheep and camels!

Marlee and Daddy at Church

After church, we went over to Dad and Wendy's for Christmas Eve dinner. The food was delicious, and, as always, the presents were out of control. Marlee got some super cute stuff!

Grandma Wendy and Great-Grandma Helen

Smiling at Auntie Jessica and Uncle Casey

Waking up Christmas morning was so great. I felt like a little kid. It was all I could do to keep from waking Marlee up. When she finally did, we headed out to the living room to see what Santa brought!

Can you tell Mommy is excited?

Daddy's excited too...he's just not a morning person.

I think Marlee actually enjoyed opening her presents. She wanted to take the time to look at and chew on each one before moving to the next.

A Raggedy-Ann doll from Great Grandma Kenalene

What's this? Leap Frog toys from Great Grandma Lois
and Great Granny and Poppy.

Are you almost done, Dad? Michael said it wouldn't
be Christmas if he didn't have to put something
together, like this Radio Flyer push wagon from
Grandparents Wymer.

Later in the afternoon, we went to Randy and Nancy's house. We had a gift swap, which was a really fun and special way to exchange gifts. Cousin Claire drew Marlee's name and got her an adorable pink puppy.

Gee, Grandpa Jim, you kinda look like Santa!

We wrapped up Christmas at Grammy's house. We used her camera to take pictures there, so I'll have to post those later!

MARLEE SAYS MERRY CHRISTMAS!