Christmas in North Carolina

Paulie looking at his presents
Papa looking at his presents

William and Uncle Kevin

Christmas Eve at Aunt Tracy's

Caroline and Abby

Santa at the Carolina Hotel

Attempting a group picture

Caroline and I flew from St. Louis to North Carolina along with the rest of Trent's family to surprise Aunt Tracy, Uncle Kevin, William and Paulie. So Uncle Tye, Aunt Kelly, Abby, Gaga and Papa and we rented a house and showed up at Aunt Tracy's house with beer and pizza -- what a great surprise. The kids were thrilled to see each other and we had a great time. It was a lot of relaxing and playing. We got to see where Aunt Tracy and Uncle Kevin are building a house, visit the village of Pinehurst and see a beautiful hotel all decorated for Christmas. They live in a beautiful part of the country with lots of space and trees!! It was great to see everyone. We enjoyed a great Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner and the kids all had a great time chasing after each other. Caroline is still asking, "Paulie go? Abby go? Uncle Tye go? , etc". Hopefully we will get to all see each other again soon!!

Christmas in St. Louis

Christmas at Grandma Julie's

Caroline and Grandma Julie

At the Butterfly House

Her favorite toy at Grandma and Papa's

Playing in the little bit of snow

Caroline and I flew with Aunt Laurie to St. Louis to begin the Christmas holidays. We landed to a chilly 30 degrees -- I know I am not used to that and Caroline was definitely chilly!! While we were there we were treated to a small snow / ice storm so Caroline was very intrigued and wanted to go outside everyday -- she definitely did not understand the idea of freezing cold temperatures but we did make it outside one day. We were also able to make it to my cousin Tim and his daughter Olivia's first birthday parties. We visited an amazing train display that Caroline loved and she was thrilled to find that Papa had set up a train track and running train at their house as well. We visited the Butterfly House and also had Christmas with my Grandma who Caroline affectionately referred to as "Grandma Julie". She was on display!! It was a great time and only the beginning of her asking for "more presents"!! I'm afraid we've created a monster!!

Sitting on Santa's lap

We took Caroline to the mall to see Santa this year and though I don't think she had the idea that Santa brings her presents she certainly is aware of his "presence" as it is everywhere. She says Santa Claus pretty clearly and actually sat next to him for all of about 2 seconds before yelling for Mommy!! The other pictures are my attempts at the Christmas card. You all saw which one actually worked out!