Christmas 2011

We were able to spend Christmas in Utah this year.  We missed having Christmas morning in our own home, but traded that for the fun of seeing family at Christmas parties this year. 

We had a great Christmas.  Santa was generous, as always.  He brings 3 gifts for each girl, just like the wisemen brought for baby Jesus, and he fills our stockings (even Mom and Dad's).   He surprised all three girls by giving them a new kitchen.  He left a picture of it set up back home in Albuquerque for the girls to open.  They then had to wait to play with it until they got home.  Maggie also got a scooter and Ella got her "real camera" that she has been wanting for so long.  It was hard figuring out what to give Hads, but she did get some fun new toys and binkies on her first Christmas.

Mommy and Daddy gave the girls Minnie Mouse dolls and a trip to Disneyland in February.  The girls have been asking to go for a long time now and we're all excited for our first family vacation together!

This Christmas will go down as the year that Mommy didn't take many pictures---once Ella opened her camera (first I might add), she was the new family photographer! In the spirit of Christmas, I put mine away and let her document our day. . .

She took pictures of each and EVERY gift after they were opened.  She set it up on the floor and then made sure to get the perfect shot (I'll spare you the pictures of all the presents).  She took over 600 pictures, including ones of everything she ate that day!  It was fun going through them and seeing it all through her eyes, and what she thought was important.  I do think I need to teach her about the importance of holding the camera still and using a flash, but for her first photo shoot, I think she did a great job!

Once we got home the girls were able to play with their new toy kitchen (big enough for all 3 to play with, and there is even a grill so they can cook like daddy), and their dollhouse--a gift from Stan and Mel that has definitely become a favorite!