Christmas Day

Christmas day is when the rushing around really begins! Stephen wasn't sure how we were going to fit all of the stops in but somehow we managed- I always do!

We woke up Christmas morning and opened presents with Grandma Julie and Brent. Ez scored some fun toys and some outfits! Mommy and daddy didn't do too bad, either!



After we were done there, we got in our Christmas finery and went over to celebrate with Grandpa Gordy, Papa Franz and Grandma Julie. Boy did Grandpa Gordy spoil his baby!



Ez decided to help Grandpa open his presents, too! This was a big frame to fill with pictures of her!


Ez got a snuggle and bottle with Grandpa


She even let Papa get a quick snuggle in!


After we were done at Grandpa Gordy's, we headed up to the Arlington area for dinner at Great Grandma Billie and Uncle Jack's house. Grandpa John, Grandma Gale were there, too.

Ez had a fun time playing with Sammy the dachshund! He loved her because she was happy to play tug-o-war with her!


We didn't get many pictures but we enjoyed a nice prime rib dinner and got to catch up with family that we don't see often. Great Grandma Billie had a lot of fun Christmas ornaments that would sing and dance that Ezzy loved. Mommy and Daddy made a mental note to stock up for next christmas!

Our last stop of the evening was at Grandpa Dave and Grandma Vicki's house. We didn't stay very long (Mommy was knackered!) but we had a nice visit and had enjoyed snacks!

Ez tried to share her snacks with Grandma and Grandpa!


It was a long day but well worth it! Afterall, family is what Christmas is all about! Thanks to all for your kind gifts and beautiful food! xx

Christmas Eve

I was able to celebrate Christmas in Seattle for the first time since 2006! That is because shortly after Christmas 2006, the love of my life flew me to England for New Year and I never left!

Even though we spent last Christmas in New York with a small amount of family, this was Stephen's first crazy American Christmas. Stephen is used to small, intimate Christmases in England as he has a small family (I think we just hit 10 members?!) so I knew my hectic celebrations were going to come as a shock to him!

We spent Christmas Eve at my Grandpa Wil and Grandma Mardine's house in Snohomish. It was a smaller crowd than usual this year (Stephen still thought it was huge!) but we had a beautiful dinner and participated in a gift exchange. There was an extra twist to this gift exchange and when nobody won the special prize (a $30 gift card to JCPenney), we all had a second chance. Stephen won and was extremely excited about it!

Here are some pictures of our Christmas on "the Hill."

Ez feel asleep in her high chair minutes before dinner was served.


Stephen would never miss out on food, though, and dug right in!


Grandma gets a snuggle with Ez


We decided dinner in her dress might not be the best idea so we stripped her down!


Next, it was present time!


Esme received a lot of beautiful clothes and fun toys but was drawn to the boy stuff.



We ended the evening with traditional family pictures in front of the tree.




Thanks to Great Grandma and Great Grandpa for hosting such a wonderful evening! The food was out of this world! xx

Santa Pics

We ended up getting ripped off by Santa's elves, but we like the pictures so at least that is something! Long story short, we brought my niece, Chloe, along so that we could get pictures of the girls together for Grandpa John and Grandma Gale. The normal price for a family is $75 for the rights to all of your pictures. They took our pictures without warning us and because Chloe and Ez are cousins and, therefore, not immediate family members, they charged Christine (Chloe's mom) and I each $90 for the pictures. We should have walked away but we were like deer in headlights and stupidly paid the astronomical.

It is a shame, too, because he is the best Santa and is super friendly. It is the owners of the shop who have questionable business practices! We were there an hour early and they knew my niece was coming and they never warned me. RUDE! Needless to say, we wont be going back.

Ez and Santa


Ez and Chloe. Three months apart (Esme is older) and the same height- Ez has about 5 pounds on her though! x


Our little fam and Santa


Santa likes to take funny pics with expectant Moms, too!