Christmas Morning

We woke up early on Christmas morning, so we could open presents as a family before heading off to be with Rich's family in Gridley. Poor Ava had a rough night and was not ready to get up. To tell the truth I don't think any of us wanted to get up (it's not fun being sick on Christmas).

We were excited because this was Ava's first Christmas, but she took a while to warm up. At first she didn't even want to look at the present Santa brought for her. After breakfast and chewing on part of the carrot Rudolph left she was more willing to be put down to play. She enjoyed her Laugh and Learn Table and wouldn't look up for pictures. She was less interested in checking out her stocking and opening gifts. Once her gifts were open she enjoyed banging the cymbals from her instrument set.

After we opened our gifts we got dressed and headed to Gridley. Fortunately, Ava took a nice nap on the way and was in a better mood when we got there.

Family Photo minus Luca because he didn't want to cooperate

Santa filled our stockings, ate our cookies, and Rudolph nibbled the carrot

Ava enjoyed using Rudolph's left over carrot as a teething toy

This is what Santa brought Ava (activity table, duplos, Italian book, one Sees Candy, and socks)

These are the gifts from mommy and daddy (musical instruments, Sesame Street CD, and animal cars)

Ava and Rich playing with her new instruments

Ava gave Rich "Prosciutto e uova Verdi" by Dr. Seuss

*There are no pictures of me except the family photo. I was so busy taking pictures of Ava and Rich with Ava that I didn't stop to take a picture with Ava...so sad! Note to self next year take a Christmas picture with your daughter!!

*Rich and I set a $30 limit on our gifts to each other. We decided we really want to focus on the true meaning of Christmas which is not spending insane amounts of money. We decided to give more money to those in need and just enjoy the blessings in our life and being together as a family. Rich gave me the BBC version of "Pride and Prejudice" because he noticed I checked it out several times from the library...good choice. I gave Rich "Clone Wars: The First Season" (cartoon) because he kept eyeing it at Sam's Club.