Christmas in Philly

Once we returned home from celebrating Christmas in Louisiana, we stayed at home for a few days to play with our new toys.  After the new began to wear off, we packed up and headed to Philadelphia to visit my side of the family for the holidays.  Caroline couldnt' wait to get there so that she could get her hands around her favorite baby cousin, Katelyn.

We celebrated New Year's Eve with Nana, Pop Buddy, Mommaw, Pappaw Bill and KK's family.  Caroline helped get Katelyn dressed and then they danced with each other.

Of course it wouldn't be a party without our traditional Christmas punch.

Since we hadn't exchanged presents yet, the kids were more than ready to open the presents that had been under Mommaw's tree since Thanksgiving.

Caroline was thrilled when she received her own digital camera that takes real pictures.  I better watch out, because it looks like she is going to become the new "queen photographer" in our family.

Will was so excited when he saw what Pop Buddy had waiting for him outside.  He fixed up another little ride for Trouble...this time it was a Hummer.

We decided instead of buying Katelyn a few toys, we would give her a big pink bucket full of some of the toys we had outgrown.  She seemed to especially love her new bumbo seat.

I couldn't wait for Mommaw to open the present I made for her...a handmade apron to use when she eats her meals. 

 

On New Year's Day, we went to Pop and Mimi's house for a big New Year's Day brunch with the Deweese family.

Will thought he was too cool when he put on his new orange vest that Uncle Randy helped pick out for him.

Lane decided she needed to get some baby love too and was just precious when she got a chance to hold Katelyn.

They say every family has someone that is a little crazy...thankfully Kevin fills that position in our family.

Of course the day would not be complete without a ride on Pop's new wagon that Molly Girl pulls with ease.

Once all the extended family had left, it was time to relax and celebrate the holiday with Pop, Mimi and Uncle Austin. 

We also managed to open the last presents of the season, as if we weren't already spoiled enough!  Anyway, I had to prepare Caroline that this would be it.  There would be no more presents to open after this and that she was so blessed to have received so many fun things.  Frankly, I think she enjoyed opening the boxes just as much as seeing what was inside. 

Will was glad to try on his new riding hat courtesy of Aunt KK.  She figured he needed it since he has already had his first fall off a horse!

But perhaps my favorite memory of the day was the excitement will displayed when he opened his present from Pop and Mimi...a truck with a four-wheeler in the back that pulled a trailer full of horses!  He couldn't believe his eyes...a box full of all of his favorite things!  I guess that explains all of the screams to his Daddy, "open it, Daddy...open it!"