Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Today we celebrated Jesus' birth - what a joyous day it was! When we woke up this morning Gabriella was very surprised to find toys by the fireplace! At 22 months, she doesn't quite understand the concept of Santa Claus. But, when we went downstairs for breakfast, she all of sudden yelled "toys!" and ran to them. She was very excited! It was so fun to see her play with all of her gifts. 

The highlights of Santa's visit this year were an interactive kitchen set, an indoor/outdoor tent, a Mommy and Me baby and stroller as well as a books, puzzles and other activities and toys. She also had a stocking full of goodies! Gabriella had a wonderful Christmas as did the rest of our family.

We hope that you had a blessed Christmas and we wish you a very happy New Year! 

Gabby and all of her gifts from Santa Claus (aka "Bobby")

Gabriella's stocking is as big as her!

Stroll Baby, stroll!

Gabby, where's the baby? Oh, wait...she's on the floor behind you!

David likes the tent, too!

Gabriella in her tent with her new toys. In her stocking was a small carton of Goldfish crackers. Yes, it was 7 am and she was eating Goldfish but it's Christmas!! 

After the initial excitement of Santa's visit and gifts, we all three opened gifts from one another. Here Samantha is helping Gabby open a gift from Mommy and Daddy.

In the afternoon we went over to Nonna and G-Pa's for lunch. Santa left Gabby a few gifts at their house, too. Samantha and David even had gifts from Santa! What a nice guy!

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve in Lawrence. In the afternoon we ate an early dinner with Samantha's family and then attended Mass later in the afternoon followed by gift opening at Nonna and G-Pa's house.

Samantha and Gabriella had to make a quick stop at the grocery store in the morning. Gabby loves to ride in the grocery cart/bus. In this picture she is making sound effects while she "drives" the cart.

When we first arrived at Nonna and G-Pa's, Gabby got her first Christmas gift. Samantha's parents couldn't wait to give Gabby her very own "horsey." She loves it! It makes noises and you can ride it around because it's on wheels. It's something Gabriella will definitely enjoy for the next couple of years. 

We took a family picture before Mass.

After Mass, we opened gifts with the Manginos at Nonna and G-Pa's house. Gabriella mostly ran around the house while we opened gifts around the Christmas tree. Gabby received many wonderful gifts from Uncle Tommy, Aunt Danielle, Nonna and G-Pa.

Before Gabriella went to bed, she set out milk and cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer along with a note to Santa that Samantha helped her write. 

On Sunday, Dec. 21 we celebrated Christmas with the Hardys at our home in Lawrence. After dinner, we opened gifts. Gabby had a really good time. 

Gabriella opening gifts with Samantha (above) and Aunt Bridget (below). Gabby received so many great gifts from Nana, Grandpa, Aunt Megan and Aunt Bridget.