Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

The Holidays for us were very crazy this year, so thought I would Blog about it all at one time. It started with Thanksgiving when my family joined us in Virginia from Texas. Kimberly and her boyfriend Justin joined us the weekend before where we celebrated an early Thanksgiving and Christmas since my mom and Richard were already here. It was great to see all of my family at one time, since that doesn't happen very often. For the actual Thanksgiving Day, we spent with Grant's family also with my mom and Richard, The Markos Family (Grant's neighbors growing up) and The Manix Family (Kit's sister). It was so nice to have everyone around. I love houses filled with the small of great food and the aroma of love and friendship.

This year we spent Christmas with Grant's family. Colin and Claudine were able to make it down for Christmas day. We spent the night with Kit and Larry on Christmas eve so we could all wake up in our PJs and open gifts. Although, it didn't happen quite like that because Chloe slept in and so did mom and dad (taking advantage of extra sleep!) We enjoyed a lovely Christmas breakfast at the Markos's and then we returned to the McElwain's to open gifts. Chloe got a lot of clothes with room to grow and we also got many fun goodies. I have to say that Larry's gift tops the cake. He has always wanted chickens, so Kit has a friend that is going to build him a chicken coop in the back yard. I guess this is the Hippie in him, as he has always wanted to be self sustainable, although he doesn't like eggs, so I am not sure what he is going to do with them. It was 4 hours later when I realized this gift was nothing to cluck at.

Mommy and Chloe on Christmas morning!

Colin and Claudine opening their stockings.
Grumpa and Grandma McElwain with Chloe.

After the Christmas festivities, Grant and I got to spend some time with friends. After Christmas, The Norcross family and the the Synan family joined us at our house for home made pizza. Although our night was cut short from a worn out little Chloe, it is always great to spend time with great friends. The next day, Meghan, Ashley, Frank, Diana, Wes and Payton joined us at our house for our annual Christmas get together. We have done this for a bout 6 years now and it is something I look forward to every year. This year was a little different since we added the little ones to the family, but it just makes it that much more fun!

Frank, pretending he is pregnant with Payton...yeah, he's weird.
Ashley burping Chloe after a big dinner!

Meghan giving us a break and rocking Chloe to sleep.

For New Years, I decided to stay home with Chloe and Grant went out with some friends. This was his first night out with buds since Little Chloe was born. I really wanted more than anything to chill out and get some rest. I got my wish! Chloe slept 7 hours straight, which was a gift for me! I had to return back to work this week, so that was hard and brought it's own set of challenges. I am looking forward to 2009 and watching her grow. 2008 was full of surprises. I wonder what 2009 will bring?


Chloe and Mommy making Christmas cookies!