Rick, Jess, Jillian & Ryan: Christmas 2013

CHRISTMAS EVE
Christmas celebrations started with the Christmas Eve service at Church followed by the gathering at my Grandma's house. Jillian just had to sing the first verse of Away in a Manger. She could sing it as long as someone was prompted her on the part that came next. Otherwise she would end up repeating parts which was still cute. I think she was singing when all the little kids (3 year olds - Kindergarten). She ended up behind another child who was taller than her. It is a little hectic getting the small ones lined up. She did her best to peek her head out, but she was hard to see.

We then went to Grandmas for her Christmas gathering. The kids got to open up a couple of gifts each. One from great grandma and the other from the cousins gift exchange. Following presents was picture time. And just as last year Jillian ended up hiding her face and crying during the experience. She won't always allow me to take her picture let alone the entire family paparazzi! After the pictures she enjoyed playing with her cousins.

CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas morning we slept in a bit and I had to remind her it was Christmas morning. We had to wake up daddy and then I had them wait while I got the video camera turned on. I wanted her reaction to seeing the presents on film too. She was very into opening everything before she turned her attention to playing with any of the items.

Santa brought her a Doc McStuffins checkup center, a guitar, and a barbie. Mommy and Daddy got her a box of dress up clothes, chutes and ladders, Mrs. potato head, pink sparkly boots, Doc Mcstuffins stuffed animals "Doc, Hallie, Lamby, Stuffy, and Chilly", and two DVD's (Planes & Monsters University). In her stocking which we nearly forgot about was a candy necklace set, a Hello Kitty foam fan with candy, and Santa Pez dispenser. I think she had a good Christmas!

Later that day we headed over to celebrate with Grandpa, Grandma Karen, and uncle John. This year John hosted Christmas at his house. After enjoying lunch together we opened gifts. Jillian got a cuddly stuffed bear from uncle John and a barbie with a horse from grandma and grandpa. And what did she play with the most. The box the bear came in of course! Aunt Susie and Uncle Gary weren't able to make it over since Sue was in the hospital with pneumonia.

DELAYED CHRISTMAS

Christmas with Meemaw, Papa, Uncle Brian, Aunt Anna, Benjamin & Makayla was delayed due to a stomach bug. We did get together just not until New Years Day. The kids were all very excited to open presents so we let them do that before having them sit down to eat for lunch. Jillian got a talking woody doll from Uncle Brian and Aunt Anna. She got a new leap pad for Christmas or as she calls it her "E-pad". She carried her new Woody doll all around with her. Then she helped cousin Makayla play with her new princess castle.