The McAfees: Merry Christmas!

I took 2 days off work in preparation for Christmas. I don't think I could have handled it otherwise! We did minimal decorating around the house. I only put up a small tree and hung our stockings in time for St. Nick. Claire frequently took all the ornaments off the small tree and grabbed at the lights plugged in for the mantle. I only set the gifts out on Monday, but between then and Thursday when we opened gifts at our house, she managed to tear into a few and climb all over them. She stayed safe and it will be easy clean up, but I hope to get more into things next year.

We opened gifts at our house on the 23rd. Spencer was heading to his mom's that night to spend Christmas Eve with her. We wouldn't have had time until the 26th to all be together again at home, so earlier is better in my opinion. Claire was interested in tearing the paper on some of her gifts. I had wrapped two balls that she carried around all week. She seemed quite interested in those and the boxes and paper were big hits, of course.

Reading her new penguin book

We had a lovely time exchanging gifts and watching Claire open presents for the first time. Here she is trying a sweet tart candy cane. I'd say she enjoyed it. Would you agree?

Christmas Eve, the three of us headed to Rockford to celebrate with my family. Claire received so many gifts; a shopping cart and food, dishes and utensils, a whole new wardrobe, hooded towels made by Nana Barb. She is a very lucky little girl.

Wearing Santa hats with Grandpa Joe

We stayed overnight and headed back Christmas day. Claire is saying goodnight to everyone.

Claire did great on the trip. It's only an hour and a half drive and she is getting 6 teeth right now, so extra napping was in order.

Lucian picked up Spencer in West Bend in the afternoon on Christmas and we headed to Lucian's parents for our last gathering. We grazed on great food and exchanged gifts and did a white elephant gift exchange too. Claire was lucky to receive Legos, books, numerous art supplies and her own chair, which will be arriving in Jan.

Lucian and I received a speed light for our camera which we are very excited about. We thought we were testing it out with this photo, but we still needed batteries. It will be great for capturing natural looking light with our photos.