Although we didn't end up having time to put the lights up on the house, Matthew and Amelia did decorate outside a little, by adding our two reindeer, along with lights in both of our little trees, it was a pretty sight. I am happy to say that I finished my candy before the eleventh hour this year, it's a lot of work, but worth it to know that a special tradition is being continued, not to mention how delicious it is and how great it is to share.
On to Christmas Eve, the three of us stayed home together, so I decided to make my mother-in-law's fried chicken, it turned out great...here's Amelia waiting for her plate.
After dinner, it was time to open just one present...
" PJ's" of course!
Amelia was very excited about her Tinkerbell PJ's, that came with a matching robe. She also got Tinkerbell slippers, no more cold toes.
After a drive around the neighbourhood to see all of the Christmas lights - and what a wonderful sight that was...Amelia and I prepared a special plate for Father Christmas, comprising of cookies and a carrot for his reindeer. Here she is writing the note.
Finally it was time for bed, and this girl was so very excited!
Luckily for us, she did settle down quite well and ended up falling asleep pretty quickly.
How beautiful the living room looked with all of the presents wrapped and under the tree.
Our darling 3 year old was up bright and early, around 6:15 am, I suppose it could have been worse. "It's time to wake up, momma!" she said.
Daddy helped her open her presents, she got some lovely things, including a ladybird pillow pet from Grandma and Grandpa Rawe (she had really wanted one of these).
She also got a beautiful doll from Nana and Papa that she has named "Lulu".
Grandma Judy and Grandpa Gordon got her a fun cheerleader dress up outfit, complete with matching shoes and pom-poms.
Another favourite dress up outfit, Jessie from Toy Story.
Father Christmas left her measuring cups just like mummy's, she loves to help me bake.
She put her cheerleading outfit on right away.
Ah...one of the favourite's from Father Christmas...Hungry, Hungry Hippo's game.
Snuggle time with daddy and the pillow pet.
We ended up having our Christmas dinner on Sunday, of course, we had English Christmas Crackers...Amelia got a set of screwdrivers in hers and daddy got a pearl necklace, so they switched. I'm so glad I am able to incorporate my traditions.
It wouldn't be Christmas without mince pies, another English favourite. Although Matthew wasn't interested in trying one, Amelia did. I think she mainly ate the squirty cream on top and left the pie. Personally, I really enjoyed them.
Just chilling, in front of the TV, wearing her pearls.
This is Jingle, my boss Darren and his family bought this for Amelia. He comes with a book and as you read the book, Jingle joins in with various sounds...he has become a family favourite too.
Another tradition we have is exchanging ornaments, Amelia got a glass bird, that she calls her "chicken", it is perhaps not so childlike and quite vintage looking, but I thought she might appreciate it when she's older, plus it's a reminder for her to always spread her wings and fly! Unfortunately, I haven't taken photo's of my ornament or Matthew's yet. Mine was a lovely, multi-coloured glass ball. Matthew got a Boston Celtic's 2010 Holiday ball.
Look at those precious hands, cradling her "chicken".
It may have been quiet, but we had a lovely Christmas. The only thing that would have made it even better would have been to have more family close by, but you were all in our hearts.As we enter a new year, we hope your family is blessed.
Here's to 2011!!!
