Christmas 2011

It's hard to believe that Christmas is already gone. The only evidence left in my house is my bare Christmas tree...and that's only because Adam and I haven't taken it apart yet but that will come tomorrow. We had such a wonderful Christmas. It may have even been better than last year - and that is a hard one to beat :)

On Christmas Eve, my family came over for lunch and gifts. My brother and his wife traveled from Charlotte, NC. They hadn't seen Caroline in over a year so we were very excited to see them! We had such a fun time laughing, talking, and opening gifts that I didn't take too many pictures. Of course in true Duggan fashion silly dares were made...like who could fit into Caroline's Cozy Coupe. Not sure why this is only thing I have pictures of. And no, you won't see me doing that. This pregnant mama is a little too big (and the two spouses were a little too smart for this).



Caroline really racked up. She got some adorable new pj's, a Mickey video, new shoes, play food and pots and pans (Santa dropped some hints about what he was bringing), stuffed animals, and several more things. Adam and I also did very well...new kindles for both of us and a new video camera!

After the fun, my family left. Adam's parents came over shortly after that. The five of us went to Trinity for Christmas Eve Communion. When we got home we had a delicious meal of spinach salad, beouf bourguignon, and fingerling potatoes. Adam and I love to cook and so we started cooking nice meals on Christmas Eve. It's such a perfect night to have a good meal and use our beautiful china. The food was perfect and Caroline was a doll throughout the meal so we could actually enjoy it!

After dinner, Caroline got to open two gifts from us. We started the Christmas Eve pj tradition with her last year and we were so excited about this year because we added a new gift - a Christmas book. Each year on Christmas Eve, the kids will get to open new Christmas pj's and a book. We'll change, read the book, and then send them off to bed. Caroline is such a wiggle worm but she really enjoyed listening to the story!


Since Caroline had about 1,000 gifts under the tree and we knew Santa was bringing about 1,000 more, Adam and I decided to open gifts to each other after Caroline went to bed. We wanted to spend the whole morning opening gifts and playing with her. I am so glad that we did - because I would have wanted to spend all morning playing with my new iPhone 4s! Adam and I both got lots of wonderful stuff from each other. After gifts we went to bed and when we woke up...

We saw that Santa had come!!


He even brought gifts for the new baby!


Caroline was quite surprised at all the fun stuff.


She went right for the play kitchen.


Her new puzzle block was a big hit too.


Then she went to check out the new potty!!


Reading a new book in her new sock monkey hat with a new sippy cup!


Back to the kitchen.


Watching Mickey with her new Mickey doll.


While she was opening her presents from Adam and me we didn't take pictures, we just videod it. I am so glad that we did because she was precious! Everytime she opened a gift she would say "Wow!" Some of her favorite things from us were: puzzles, Mrs. Potato Head, accessories for her Baby Stella doll, play doctor set, My Little Pony dolls, magnadoodle, and several more.

After all these gifts, you think that would be enough for one girl but oh no...there was more. Adam's brother and his family came over for more gifts. She got to open gifts from them, Adam's parents, Adam's grandmother, and Adam's aunts and uncles. Caroline is one very loved (and very spoiled) little girl. We've been joking that Caroline got her own Toys R Us for Christmas. It seems like she really did! We have so many new toys, clothes, shoes, books, etc. around here. Precious little girl #2 even racked up - new clothes, sleep giraffe, wubbanub, boppy lounger, bibs, and lots more.



After all that excitement it was time for a big bath before we sent this little girl off to bed. We had such a wonderful Christmas. I know that next year will be even better. Caroline will be even more aware and will be more excited and we'll have another sweet baby celebrating her first Christmas. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas this year!