Norris Lane: Christmas celebrations

I'm back tracking a little bit due to traveling for Christmas, birthday and New Years celebrations! Busy, but wonderful last couple of weeks!

So, first about our little Christmas for three..

With us going to Alaska for Christmas I wanted to do our little family Christmas before we left. Lugging all our gifts and stockings, on top of all the other gifts we were taking for family, wasn't something I wanted to worry about. So we woke up early (as usual with Ellie) on the 17th and opened stockings and gifts! We Skyped with my mom and step dad while we opened their presents to us and it was nice being able to "be with" each other during that.

Ellie doesn't really understand opening presents just yet, but she was intrigued by bows, strings and wrapping paper trash. Then was interested in the presents once opened. I loved experiencing Christmas as a family of three. Last year I looked forward to what it would be like to have our girl with us and I couldn't have pictured a more fun morning with her. I think it will get better and better each year; experiencing this holiday season with a little one!

Then on the evening of Monday the 21st we headed out to Alaska! Basically all of Steven's side of the family live in Fairbanks and we were looking forward to spending the holiday with them! Ellie did so great with flying once again (wonder how long that will last for?!). There is a 2 hour time difference and I was wondering how she'd adjust, and right away she did fabulous. More and more she seems able to be flexible with her waking, nap and bed times and life in general. Makes these trips easier to do that's for sure!

All week we were spending time with family and met up with some friends we've really missed. Plus, it was the first time my brother-in-law Bryan, the newest little cousin Arya and my friend Ashley got to meet Ellie! It warmed our hearts seeing her interact with all of them (and the rest of the family)!!

We were there about 5 days and played in doors a lot...due to it being 2* (above) to -20* outside. But we did make it out several times still; eating at some very yummy restaurants we love, visiting people, some last minute Christmas shopping, Christmas Eve service, church again and then post Christmas sales. I also got to rummage through my nieces clothes they've grown out of; we've scored with hand me downs for Ellie (thanks girls!). Her cousins loved on her and gave her more attention then one could ask for. I'm so glad they love on her so much! And our nephew even said she was the cutest baby ever, and not to tell his sister! hahaha. There were many adorable moments shared during our time there. One in particular, because it happened several times, was when Steven and Jaxon (our nephew) were play wrestling, Ellie wanted to get in the action, crawling over to them and trying to maul them...or she was trying to rescue her dad! Either way, it was really cute! And then getting the kids pictures taken was eventful to say the least. Four kids ranging in ages 10 months-5 years old, yeah, you can imagine how easy those were to take...you'll see down below.

I could share more stories, but I'll just say celebrating the holiday with family was very special and memorable. Thanks to everyone for the love and generosity you've shown the three of us, not just on this trip, but all year round. We love you guys!