Christmas in IL 2010

Since it was the year for Christmas in WI, we went to Illinois for New Year's, but to celebrate Christmas. Got that? Casey's gran was in town the whole week and she was thrilled to see Mallory and FINALLY meet Abigail.
I think the definition of "grandmother" probably includes "one who fills your pocket with Skittles".
The little red boot on Meme's tree is always filled with a tasty treat. Miniature candy canes, M&Ms ... this year it was Skittles. Mallory had no trouble spotting it.
I have no pictures of our gift opening. Silly, I know. But here are a couple randoms for you.

Mallory was at the counter quietly coloring with markers. Apparently she was also quietly opening 3 sticks of butter and sticking her fingers in each one. Eww.

And Jack... causing mischief.

More Christmas...

After a quick nap, we headed to my dad's
to open gifts with him and his wife, Lynn.

Mallory got an "actual" tool set!
She now goes around the house "fixing" things.

Uncle Kevin got Mal some coloring books with her name on every page.

Remember Alphie?

New and improved!

One of my favorite gifts of the season.
My brother is a huge hockey/Boston Bruins fan,
so we got Caelum a jersey to show some spirit!
Pure coincidence that Kevin wore his jersey that day.

Uncle Kevin and Auntie Jill got play food and a microwave to go with her kitchen.
The microwave is one of her favs.

A doll that "cries" and "laughs" from Grandpa and Grandma Lynn.
My dad also built the crib the doll is in.
A copy of one my aunt let us play with when we were little.

For no reason at all,
Mallory CHUCKED her baby down this flight of stairs.
Excellent.
You hear a lot of "don't shake the baby",
but I think this is also frowned upon...

One more installment of Christmas ...
Coming right up!

Christmas Eve Night to Christmas Morning...

After we got home from my dad's on Christmas Eve it was time to get down to business...

I'm fairly certain Mallory had no idea why she needed
to get her picture taken with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk.

Smiley girl.

Our nativity.
My favorite thing to put up every year.
It's hand-painted by a woman from Casey's hometown and I love it.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The next morning...
Santa came.
This is a "kitchen" my grandpa built for me when I was young.
I honestly can't believe I still have it.
(We're hoping ... when she's older ... she overlooks the fact that
Santa gave her a gift I played with as a girl. Hmm.)

Complete with hand-drawn permanent marker burners.
Inside you see some of my old things and the pots she got for her birthday.

Mallory was thrilled about her Handy Manny tool set.

While she opened this box she said, unprompted, "Thank you, Santa!"

Ah yes. Some "Wizard of Oz" beanie babies.
She has become fascinated with the movie.
And I swear I didn't even have to try.
It's true. It's just a classic!

This girl missed all the fun,
but she sure was smiley when she woke up!

It sure was a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is traditionally spent at my grandpa's house, but this year we could only celebrate his memory. Fun was had by all, but we definitely missed his warmth and class.

I love this picture.
Do you notice Mallory's condiment of choice??

Abigail with Aunt Sue

Caelum and Uncle Mark

Each grandchild and great-grandchild received one of the nutcrackers from Grandpa's collection. Here's our little nutcracker family!

Kevin and Jill's nutcracker family

Ah yes, the pajama pants. The guys received these every year from Grandpa and this year was no exception.
Mallory and Ember received hooded towels (frog & butterfly) from my cousin and her husband.

Christmas Eve Morning

We spent Christmas Eve morning with my mom and Dan. We ate a yummy breakfast, opened gifts and as you can see ... chewed on each others feet. (Well, some of us did.)

Mallory's Cabbage Patch surprise doll... boy or girl? It was a girl.

New matching strollers.
Hilarious to watch their excitement over these.

Mallory, Ember, Abigail, Caelum.
(I know you figured it out ... just sayin'.)

Time for a nap and then off to another gathering!