Fa la la la la la la la late.

So, what better way to celebrate New Year’s Eve than to post pictures of our Christmas festivities?  Sure, it’s almost a week late, but I’m hardly punctual. 

This was the only photo I got of Anna in her full outfit.  After this point, the shoes came off, the drooling commenced, and the bow was pulled.  Of course my child is doing something really random like holding a Tostitos bag in this picture, but I thought I’d post it anyway.   

Here’s our only family photo.  As usual, Joe is copping a feel, my hair is covering his face, we’re out of focus and our child is looking at something else.  

Joe is copping a lower feel and it even looks like Anna is trying to cop a feel.  I obviously think this is all funny.  Joe’s eyes are closed.  Anna is, once again, looking at something else. 

Our aunt had the diamonds from my late grandmother’s 50th wedding anniversary set in a necklace for all of the granddaughters.  It was the greatest gift we could’ve received – we were all very emotional.  L to R:  Cousin Aly, Cousin Heather, Me, My sister Nicolle, Cousin Meredith

Here’s the necklace.  What a wonderful tribute to an incredible woman. 

Here we are (sister, me) with my grandfather, a retired Marine. 

Here’s my child in a mound of presents.  She looks a little overwhelmed, doesn’t she?

And here she is playing with the wrapping paper.  That’s really all she cared about. 

Future blackmail photo.  I call this one, “Dazed and Confused.”

Yay!  Finally a good photo of her precious woodchuck teeth!

Yeah, I think it’s safe to say that my child really loves this mailbox toy.  Also, did you know that all Fisher-Price toys have the same aggravating woman voice?  I’m extremely happy about this since about 80% of her toys are from Fisher-Price.  Head.bang.against.wall.

Let’s get a little up close and personal, shall we?  I love the photos below.  My grandmother took them with her new camera.  She did a great job!

Anna makes this face when she smells something stinky.  She must’ve found daddy in the bathroom again.  Either that or her Christmas meal kicked in.  Bada bing, bada boom.

I don’t want no stinkin’ beans.

Gee, Anna is looking away from the camera. 

The whole family!  Looks like my sister and I traded spouses.  Oh, and there are lots of orbs in this picture.  Perhaps my mom’s house is haunted.  L to R:  Brother-in Law Trent, me, Mom, Anna, dad, Joe, Nicolle (Aunt Lea Lee)

Anna’s and my BFF – Aunt Lea Lee.  I love my sister! Oh, she’s 17 weeks pregnant, too.  Woo hoo!  I’m going to be an aunt. 

Overall, Christmas day was wonderful. We all kept the gift giving to a minimum and just chose to focus on the real reason for the season - family, friends, Jesus, food that is good. Ok, the season isn't really about food, but if you're in my family, that is certainly one of the perks! My mom cooked a delicious meal that everyone enjoyed.  We played “Bad/Dirty Santa” and exchanged cool, but inexpensive, gifts.  Anna got more toys than she needs, and I got to spend time with the greatest people on earth – my family. 

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas this year.

Be safe and have fun tonight, don't pop fireworks in your house or eat too many black eyed peas tomorrow. May all of your hopes and dreams come true this year. Remember to always focus on what's important - your family and your health. Everything else is secondary.