Christmas Part II

What, you want more pictures? Gladly. Here's the back half of the Christmas trip in Roanoke and Baltimore.

Ella's gift to Papa - a rare Christmas cuddle.

Ella loves her Nana about as much as anyone in the world.

Stephen, Ashley, Sarah. The gang's all here - it's officially Christmas.

Ashley's a natural. We're not so sure about Ella's hair.

Ella and Gucci have a special relationship that few understand.

Ella's great-grandparents. I think you're looking at a picture that will prove to be a family treasure.

Oh, the photojournalism

And a long-awaited visit to the Hathaways before returning to STL.

If only there was some personality in the bunch.

Only 1 Picture?!?!

Hey folks, Ben here. I know what you want. Pictures. Here you go...

At the annual Covenant Group Christmas Party. Evidently Caleb Rehm tried a bad pick-up line on Ella here. Check out that face.

Our good friends Chris and Sasha. Chris is responsible for all of Caleb's pick-up lines.

Teaching Grandma to play paddy-cake.

Long-time friends Katie, Amberleigh, Anna, and their assistants.

Ha ha, you're all going down now! Auntie Gini has 5 red cards!

I don't know what we're doing, but I'm pretty sure my Pa is gonna need some help with this here project.


Baby's first Christmas morning. One word: exhausting.

Ohhhh, Uncle Roland, you shouldn't have. These blocks are much too nice for me.

Uncle Roland: World-class uncle and gift-giver extraordinaire.

Trying to teach Cousin Michael how a book works. Ella reports that he is coming along quickly.

We are a bit dazed from all of our holiday travels..... Ella's face captures it all!!
We had a wonderful Christmas. We spent a good amount of time with both sides of the family and were able to spend some quality time with close friends. Ella loved all of the attention she got and Ben and I welcomed the extra freedom to roam around town without a child in tow, get breakfasts with friends, sit on the couch while others changed her messy diapers and cleaned up after her etc. etc. Lets just say we were very spoiled to have many extra hands willing and ready to attend to any need she had!
It really was a sweet time to relax and realize what amazing families we have. We enjoyed spending time with our siblings, playing games, watching movies, taking long walks and just catching up on the last several missed months of each others lives.
But it is good to be home. There is nothing like having your own space, sleeping in your own bed, eating your own food and not living out of suitcases. However, I already miss everyone so much and can't wait to see them again soon.