Avery's First Christmas!

The Friday before Christmas was the start of the best little 6 day vacation we've had in a while!  Avery went to school with her teacher gifts in hand (she was naturally way more excited about putting them in her mouth than handing them over.  She's got to learn the art of "giving"...)

 Jacob took half a day at work the Friday before Christmas so he could get everything loaded up.  We literally had the Tahoe filled to the brim...he couldn't even see out of the rear-view mirror because things were packed so high.  Since becoming more mobile, Avery has absolutely loathed riding in her car seat for longer than 10 minutes...which makes traveling to DFW interesting.  She did well until we hit Waco.  4.5 hours after we left Round Rock, we were at Gigi and Granddad's house!

Saturday morning Avery helped Gigi and Momma do some last minute Christmas lunch shopping at Sam's.  Girlfriend loves her some bulk bargains too.

Saturday evening we went to the Candlelight service at Gateway church where Avery's Uncle Jeremy and Miss Valerie work.  Avery did really well sitting through the service.  She lasted a little over half way through before Jacob and to leave with her because she was "helping" Pastor Robert preach.

(She discovered her tongue earlier this date...and this is literally the face she made all day.)

Photobomb...level: Momma

Uncle Jeremy and Miss Valerie

Candlelight service.  I may or may not have dripped hot wax all down my hand....and on the seat in front of me.

Monday morning we sent Dada off bright and early to get in line for tickets to see Santa at NorthPark Center in Dallas.  I'm entirely convinced that he is actually the real Santa therefore we were willing to do whatever it took to get Avery an audience with him.

Granddad bought Avery her first red & white Minnie Mouse

Seriously people...he's real.  Don't tell me otherwise.

Seeing Santa and shopping with the rich and famous can wear a girl out pretty quick.

Tuesday was focused on spending time with family.  Granddad is a pro at getting Avery to laugh  cackle. 

Her newest trick...clapping.

Wednesday was THE day.  Christmas day!  Avery had more toys to play with than she knew what to do with.  In all actuality, we totally could have just gotten her empty boxes and bows and she would have been just as happy.  :)

Christmas evening Gigi and Granddad offered to watch the Little Miss while Momma and Dada got to go on a double date to ICE! at the Gaylord Texan resort.  I had never been before, the thought of spending any amount of time in a room that was purposefully set to 9 degrees isn't my idea of a good time, but- it was fun.

 

Thursday morning we woke up and started that monstrous task of re-packing the Tahoe to head home.  It was sad to say goodbye to everyone, but, it just makes us want to come back soon!

Avery with her Great-Great Aunts Faye and Mary Lou

Jacob and I have both decided that Christmas was waaay more fun with Avery around.  We can't wait for next year!