Christmas, Post 2

After arriving in north Florida, the kids enjoyed playing with all their cousins.  It's always a very fun time at Grammy and Grampy's because of all the space there to run and play and because of all the kids.  Paul's parents have 17 grandchildren, one on the way and another GREAT grandchild on the way!  So, needless to say, when we get together, even if it's just two families, it's pretty lively!  So, for Christmas this year all of Paul's siblings, save James (who we saw in Baltimore), were there for Christmas.  Adele has two little girl cousins her age.  Vinnie is two months older than Adele and Erin is nine months older. All three of them have been the youngest in their families...and all three of them have at least two older brothers.  SO, it can get pretty interesting when these little girls get together!  They're all girl...but don't mess with them because they can put up a good fight, too!   The boys also have cousins around their ages.  Lest you think it's all fun and games, there are a fair amount of fights and hurt feelings that go along...just like in any family, but I often remind myself as I encourage my kids, that it's good to work these things out and it provides opportunity to grow in grace.

Above, Adele and Erin with their Bitty Babies that Grammy and Grampy gave to them for their birthdays. Vinnie also got one. Unfortunately I didn't get ANY pictures of all the girls together this year. =(

                                                                     Princesses

                    Above, Elizabeth fell asleep on Christmas Eve at the base of the Christmas tree.

 Christmas morning, PJ enjoyed warming by the fire and waiting for his siblings to rise!

                                                 Checking out the gifts waiting for them!

                                                             Waiting to open stockings!

                                                                     LEGOS

                                                                          LEGOS

I re-gifted some of Adele's gifts.  Notice those pink Barbie boxes! They were mine when I was a young girl and yes, I still had the boxes!  So, I wrapped up some Barbie stuff to go along with the Ballerina Barbie we got for Adele.  We set up the kitchen and bed below.

 Elizabeth slept through most of Christmas, so she opened her gifts a little later.  Her she is with some of her plush toys. And, below, she's sporting an outfit my aunt got her.

                                                             Vinnie and Adele..

  And, Lincoln (a cousin) received a kickball for Christmas, so Aunt Becky led Linc, Vinnie and Adele in a game one afternoon.  Here they had just finished.  It was a special Christmas, as it could possibly be our last one here for a couple years.  Thank you to ALL of our family and friends who made it so special.  We love you!