After a late night of driving home, Kevin and I woke up to make sure Santa remembered to stop by our house a few days after Christmas. He did a wonderful job, I must say. He even left Addie a personalized note on her new easel. Love that guy!
We had a feeling this was going to be the first thing she was drawn to, but what's missing in this post is all the fun we've been having with the tricycle. One of Santa's elves gave it to Addie. I think she goes by the name of Auntie Jan.
Santa has had this fishing pole put away especially for Addelyn for months.
This was such a happy and peaceful day for our little family. Kevin and I feel so fortunate for this baby girl. I don't think we'll ever forget her saying "Tanta!" as she walked out from her bedroom to see what was under the tree.
On Christmas Day we arrived at my Grandpa Baker's home in Sisters, Oregon. We were thankful that the weather permitted our journey and we love the beauty of a white Christmas. Most importantly though, we love the people that surround us here.
When we pulled up, we jumped out of the car with Addie, without as much as putting a coat on her. We were so excited to let her experience the snow for the first time. (Last year doesn't count, right?) I don't think she minded one bit.
Headed down to the barn to see the horses and barn cats.
Auntie Pam, Auntie Jan, and Cousin Kyle.
My cousin's new wife Linsey was Addie's favorite.
Might be my new favorite picture.
After dinner, we headed down to the barn again, to keep Lynn company while she fed the horses.
Boots riding on Radin and Lynn, whom we love! Don't listen to what Grandpa tells you Lynn.
Bringing some laughter to our walk back up to the house. Addie opened the first gift of the night from Grammy.
For the last two years our family has opted out for giving to each other and instead we take turns finding a family in our community to give to. This year our family put together about $700 to give to a family in Springfield. I hope this tradition continues for years to come. We have been so blessed as a family and it is such a good feeling to give.
We also do a small gift exchange and a have a good time stealing from each other.
Kevin scoping out the goods. Will he steal???
The next morning the snow fell steady and quietly.
Snuggling on the couch after a rough night of getting this girl to sleep. Phew!
One last stroll in the snow! Thank you GGB and Lynn! We love you two so much!
Christmas 2010 was wonderful, but I think we might need to create some new traditions for Christmas 2011. We were in Oregon for a total of ten days and stayed in four different places during our stay. Although we loved time with our family and friends, coming home has never felt better.
We spent our first gathering with my Dad's side of the family: the Sitowski's. Those that could, gathered at my Grandma's home in Springfield. We ate a potluck dinner and played in the annual gift exchange.Feeding her new "baby" her Great Grandma Sitowski gave her. Grandpa and Addie, taking her sweet time to warm-up, as she did with just about everybody. Playing with my cousin, Sam's daughter, Natalya. Sam is my closest cousin in age and is in the background on the right. Thinking whatever the adults are laughing at is pretty funny too.T, Addie, and Grandpa looking at his new calendar. Loving her new big girl chair and ottoman. Thank you Grandpa and T! And bear...wish I could add audio here of her calling saying "bear." Classic fun with the box.
We had a feeling this was going to be the first thing she was drawn to, but what's missing in this post is all the fun we've been having with the tricycle. One of Santa's elves gave it to Addie. I think she goes by the name of Auntie Jan.
Santa has had this fishing pole put away especially for Addelyn for months.
This was such a happy and peaceful day for our little family. Kevin and I feel so fortunate for this baby girl. I don't think we'll ever forget her saying "Tanta!" as she walked out from her bedroom to see what was under the tree.
