Christmas 2013

Christmas this year was great. Sully is almost the right age to love opening gifts. He had some practice at the Connelly Christmas party, so by the end of it, he loved unwrapping things. 

On Christmas Eve morning Dave went to the cemetery with his nieces and nephews and Sully to honor his sister Julie. This year marked the 10th anniversary of her death. Dave said they had a really meaningful gathering, which was very special to him. Grandma Helen, Greta and I joined them here for  a light lunch and a few gifts after the cemetery. Dave and I then took the kids to church at 5:30 which was entertaining as there was no nursery for Sully. We spent the entire service in the back, one parent with each kid. Oh well, it was still nice to be there. After that we went to a small gathering at my brother's house. It was a full, but good day.

Everyone slept in on Christmas morning thanks to a late night the night before. Dave and I were both excited for Sully to get up to see what Santa had brought him. Sully didn't let us down. He loved opening all of the gifts. We had lunch here and prepped for Dave's family to come over on Christmas night. We all enjoyed good food, wine, a roaring fire in the fireplace, and a game. 

I put a little extra love, care and effort in to all of my planning this year. With the pain of the loss of Dave Winters and Julie, I find it necessary to focus on the great people in my life. We are lucky to be surrounded by family and friends, so it is important to me to make them feel extra special when they are in my presence. 

Christmas Eve, Greta is over it :).

Sharing his new car with his little sister. 

Helping mama clean the potatoes. 

Christmas dessert made by daddy and Sully. 

Having fun with Christmas toys. 

Greta joined in, too.  

Sweet Greta.

Greta, 7 weeks. Sully, almost 19 months.