Christmas Day 2008

I think it's safe to say that Christmas 2008 was the best of our married life to date. Emily is at such a fun age for Santa, and we really just had a wonderful time.

Emily woke up in her Christmas nightgown and patent-leather shoes (what? You don't sleep in your dress shoes?) and stumbled, bleary-eyed, into the "dining room." The first thing she commented upon was the thing she had been asking Santa for: "my camera!"

Then she checked out her princess castle.

Next she emptied her stocking.

Bracelets!

She had to test one of the candy canes (or candy cans, as she calls them).

I think she liked it.

Abby loved her piano.

And even showed signs of wanting to pull up on it.

She also liked this Price is Right-esque wheel toy.

Emily has spent a lot of time on her new Backyardigans sofa already.

Smooch!

Emily's Ireland grandparents gave her this pink cowboy hat to wear with her new wooden horsey. Giddy-up, Pinto!

Soon, Emily changed into her Sleeping Beauty outfit and checked out the new kitchen her Daigle grandparents gave her!

Soon, it was time to get dressed and try out the new camera.

Let's just say that, so far, Emily has not taken any award-winning shots.

Chef Danielle took a break in the kitchen to enjoy the girls.

Then I made Robert take a picture of me with all the stuff I cooked: two appetizers, two desserts, a potato casserole, sweet potatoes, lima beans, squash casserole, spinach casserole, and rolls.

After lunch, we opened more gifts. Nanny Kim gave Emily this new laptop, which is pretty cool.

(Please note that my child changes clothes way more than is necessary.)

Emily also got a 3-D Sleeping Beauty book. She modeled the glasses for us.

Then, in a classic case of monkey see, monkey do, Emily let me put pigtails in her hair when Nanny Kim donned the look.

I hope that all of you had a lovely time with those you love this holiday. The only thing that could have made ours better would have been Uncle D-P's presence. He was sorely missed!

I hope 2009 treats you and yours very well indeed. Happy New Year!