It's the Holiday Season...

...with a whoop-de-do and a hickory dock... (and don't forget to hang up your sock)*

Christmas at the Connors House was a days-long celebration of food, presents, family, and so much fun!! As soon as the tree was up in early December, we knew that Caroline was going to love the holiday, and in fact, the tree itself was a source of great joy:

• Day 1 - Tree goes up. Reaction: "TREE!"
• Day 2 - Lights on tree. Reaction: "Lights! BRAVO TREE!"
• Day 3 - Ornaments on tree. Reaction: (with amazement) "BRAVO TREE!"

Christmas Eve
Caroline and family began the official celebration with a trip for the "family service" at our church. For readers who haven't recently (or ever) been to a "family service," let's just say that it is wildly entertaining, but probably not the best time for solemn reflection. So... perfect for us with munchkin in tow.

That said, the youngest member of our clan truly played the part of an Angel. She sat, pretty quietly, and was entertained by the presence of her very own Santa Claus (aka Bob), Baby Clay, and Josie. Though the arsenal of snacks and milk that Mommy packed (ah, we've learned so much in a year in a half) might have helped helped too.

CEC did want to show off her shape identification to the back half of the sanctuary by excitedly - and loudly - announcing all the amazing things she saw:

1. STAR!
2. LIGHT!
   (and the best...)
3. CROSS!

Needless to say, those around us were very amused (and I dare say impressed), and she got lots of compliments post-service on her smarts and good behavior.

12-24-08 At home pre-church

The famous CEC smile was a bit elusive after church.
Doesn't she know that Santa is on his way?

Hooray! Another family photo!

Back at home, it looked like Santa had found our good little girl, and brought her some wonderful things. Mommy and Daddy couldn't wait for morning to come...

Christmas Day

...and morning definitely does come early at our house. The human alarm clock went off at better-than-sometimes 5:30 AM. After some sustinence in the form of oatmeal and blueberries, it was on to presents!

Good morning Mommy!

Is this a present or a chair?

I love these! I'm getting in

Fun new things to play with

Christmas Day Number 2!
Yes, Santa Claus made his way to Battery Lane twice this year. Apparently, the Man in Red came by Grandma and Grandpa's house in Florida, so they brought all of the goodies he dropped off up for their eldest granddaughter.** So nice!

Wow! The babies are set!

Caroline was so excited about the new gear for her baby dolls, and
got right down to business making sure they were comfortable and well-fed.
Such a good little mommy!

The whole holiday could not have been more perfect. Mommy and Daddy were thrilled with seeing Caroline start to appreciate our favorite time of year, and loved spending time with so many of our favorite people.

As Santa (and according to CEC, Gamma Gamma, Gampa, Uncle Matt, her teacher Keashia, Baby Clay, Sarahbeth, etc.) would say, "Ho Ho Ho!"

*A little Andy Williams never hurt anybody
**More on the visit coming in a future post