A New Kind of Christmas

This year Christmas was different for me.  I felt like I was 7 years old again because I was so excited to experience it.  It has been a long time since Christmas held so much excitement, but this year I got to see it all through Elli's eyes. I can't begin to tell you her favorite parts.  It might have been the "pretty lights," the "a-clauses," or the "jingle bells."  She really got into the manger scene too and could point out angels and Baby Jesus.  She learned to sing Happy Birthday Jesus.  Christmas meant so much to me this year - it meant so much to see her so happy, to see her excitement, to share with her about Baby Jesus, and to watch as she took it all in.  It truly was a special time for our family.  Here are some pictures from all of our festivities!

 Elli meets our traditional Bender Party Santa!  She loved it!

 Papa Johnny got Elli her own Cozy Coupe!  

 Elli is discovering what Santa brought her for Christmas!  So excited!!!

 Naughty elf?  I'm not sure but I LOVE THIS PICTURE!

 Christmas Day Celebrations!

 Yes - Elli is in a diaper, but all the present opening can make a girl hot!

 Ho Ho Ho!

 It is never too early to learn to vacuum in style!!!

 And on to Maryland where Elli got even more cool toys!

 Giving out hugs and kisses...

 Dress up clothes for the princess

 Aunt Rachel knows how to style a girl!

 And our annual visit to the National Christmas tree...thats the White House behind us.

 The best part of the tree - the plethora of trains going round and round!

 And we had time to find yet another Santa and this time...his wife!!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!