Holding Up Her Head

This is the first time that Grace has held her head up during tummy time. It's not that she hasn't been capable, she has just chosen not to.

Good Girl!

Playdate with Sam

Gabriel had a playdate with Sam this afternoon. The boys played with Elmo toys and colored before lunch. Pineapple was the hit of lunch time -- very little else was eaten. Then they went to the basement for some more playtime. It was a fun afternoon. Thanks for coming over to play, Sam. We can't wait to do it again!

Watching Barney on TV during lunch.
Say, "Cheese!" boys!

Doll

Grace got a doll for Christmas. Here she is posing with her new baby doll.

The little girl catches a nap. It's really exhausting to be this cute!

Xmas Morning

We started Christmas morning with breakfast and gifts. After our guests went home, Mommy, Gabriel, and Grace caught a nap. Then we went to Grandma and Papa's for dinner. It was a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone for the gifts and the wonderful company. We feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. Uncle Brian and Erin look at gifts with Gabe.
Papa and Gabe cheese for a picture.
Grandma helps Gabe with his Radio Flyer inch worm.
Uncle Brian sets up Gabe's new race track.

Enjoying coffee and presents --- Uncle Ed, Uncle Brian, and Erin
Grampy, Uncle Rob, Bobby, Ben and Gramma
Gabriel loved opening presents, even if they weren't his!
Daddy mans the video camera to catch the special moments.
Grandma and Gabe look at the Play Doh that Santa brought.

Enjoying breakfast before opening gifts

Grace was trying to eat her hands at breakfast. Anything coming out of those, Grace?
Silly, Gabe! Uncle Brian carried Gabriel down the stairs by his feet to see what Santa brought.
Ben watches while Gabe dances around the basement with his life-sized Elmo. Thanks, Uncle Ed and Stacey! Elmo was a hit!

Uncle Brian's first time to hold Grace . . . a true testament to the fact that she's getting bigger.

Dig in, Uncle Ed. Don't be shy!
Grace was a bright-eyed girl on Xmas morning. Grandma took Gracie during breakfast.
Great Gramma Ellnor
Uncle Robbie enjoys a cup of coffee while Gabe enjoys breakfast.
The grandpas: Grampy and Papa

Xmas Eve at Cousin Alice's

The Holdaway Family: Papa, Grandma, Grace, Uncle Ed, Gabriel, Daddy, Mommy

Daddy gives Grace a burp.
Gabe tries on Grandma's hat.

Uncle Ed helps Gabriel open a Santa gift.
It's an Elmo drill and Cookie Monster goggles.
Cousin Terri plays with Gabe and his new Santa toys.
Every year a gag gift is given; it's a feather hat from the 1920's. Today was Grandma's year to get the hat. It is her first time to get it!
Gus, the hat looks awesome on you!

Xmas Eve at Uncle Mark's House

Cousin Amber and Gramma admire Grace.
Cousin Robin holds a sleepy Grace.
Gabriel was well entertained by Bobby and Ben.

Thank you, Uncle Mark and Aunt Kathie, for having us over. It was wonderful to see everyone!

Santa . . . FINALLY

Trying to get the kids' picture taken with Santa has been quite a challenge this year. Every time that we have planned to go have their picture taken with Santa somewhere, one of them has been sick, they napped past Santa's time at a location, Santa's visit was cancelled due to an ice storm, etc. Today we decided to go to the mall and pay the outrageous price for Santa pictures. We got to the mall at 2:50 PM and were told by an "elf" that Santa was taking lunch from 3:00-4:00 PM; we would have to wait. AAAARG!! Dan took Gabe to the play area in the mall. I took Grace for a walk to keep her sleeping and then took a place in line at 3:30. I think that the picture turned out nice, but the whole Santa picture experience put some Bah-Hum-Bug in my holiday. I think this close to Christmas, Santa should only get a half hour lunch. Sorry, Santa!

Evening at Grandma and Papa's

Daddy hangs out with a wide-eyed Grace.
Gabe loves his Uncle Brian!
Grandma holds Grace.
After dinner Daddy, Grace, and Gabriel relax.

We had some Mark's Feedstore carry out at Grandma and Papa's house tonight after a quick, last minute trip to the mall. Thank for having us for dinner, Grandma and Papa!

Presents

The Hoylands brought Gabriel an Elmo guitar. The Bowers brought him an etch-a-sketch-type toy. He loved both of his gifts.

Unfortunately Gabe wasn't feeling well tonight. He asked to take a nap when he got home from Staci's house, and he had a fever of more than 101 when he woke up. The real tip that he was sick though . . . he didn't eat any dinner. My poor baby!

Future Friends

Grace and Abby will surely be great friends as they get older, just as their mommies have been.

Grace, Abby, and Landon enjoy some floor time. These guys are going to have such fun together as they grow up!

Landon and Abby take a break from the excitement.