The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Since Christmas is my very favorite holiday of the year, I had looked forward to sharing it with our baby ever since finding out we were pregnant last January.  It was so special to experience Ella's first Christmas this year and I have a feeling the holidays will just get more and more fun each year with her!  We had a busy week leading up to Christmas and the days that followed with holiday parties and get togethers every night.  Ella got a little overwhelmed with going to so many new places and seeing new faces every night, but it was fun to spend time with family and friends.  I apologize in advance for all the pictures but I wanted to document all the fun moments of celebrating Christmas with Ella this year! 

I love Christmas decorations and how the presents look under the tree.  I'm guessing next year we won't be able to put presents out without Ella investigating what they are!

 Our little peanut in front of the tree

 Ella started her own collection of Christmas ornaments this year with very special ornaments given to her from some of our family and friends.  I love that she will have her own ornaments to decorate the tree just like Cody and I still decorate the tree with the ornaments from our childhoods.  My mom has made ornaments for my brothers and I every year (up until now), so it was special that she made this darling ornament for Ella this year...

Ella on Christmas Eve

 Opening stockings Christmas morning

 Our Christmas morning breakfast

 Ella checking out her Christmas story book

 After having Christmas with our little family at our house, we headed up to my parent's house for the rest of the day.  Ella loved the new exersaucer that her Grandma and Grandpa Howell got her!

 Cody figuring out how to put together Ella's toys :)

 Ella was very spoiled with so many nice gifts from our family.  She is one very loved little girl!

 Hanging out with Uncle Tom

 Spending time with Uncle David

 Ella with her Grandma Howell and Uncle Tom

Finally a TRUE family picture...with Lily included

 Ella and mama

The day after Christmas we headed over to Ephrata and spent the night with Cody's family.  Ella did great on the drive over and spending her first night away from home.  Ed and Linda made a delicious Christmas meal and we enjoyed relaxing and spending time with them.  

Ella playing on her new Pillow Pet from her Grandma and Grandpa Lamens

 Hanging out with Grandpa Lamens

As we remember the reason for the Christmas season, we are thankful for the birth of our Savior.  It's hard to believe that last year at Christmas we didn't know we would be expecting our own little one in the coming year.  We have been beyond blessed this year and are so thankful for our healthy, growing girl.   This Christmas was a very memorable one for us and we look forward to experiencing many new "firsts" with Ella in 2011.