AND THEN IT WAS OVER...

There is nothing like Christmas through the eyes of a child. What a great day we had yesterday! We started out with a relaxing morning at home and then on to son Rich's home to spend time with the next house of grandchildren. Peyton is our youngest this year and it was so fun to watch him crawl and be excited about the wrappings.

Valorie and Sydney were having a ball. Valorie made us yummy cinnamon rolls and coffee while we opened gifts.

Rich couldn't be a prouder father. Sydney is definitely his little princess.

All of the children were just what the doctor ordered for Mom this year. I think it took her mind off of Dad not being with us this year and it really helped.

Sydney LOVES pop-up books and she got a couple new ones this year.

Papa and Peyton had lots of fun with his new little toys.

And I could hardly keep my hands off of him!

Sydney was so excited when we got to her house that she could hardly wait to start opening gifts.

We came home for awhile and had a gift exchange with Mom and our Rosie dog. Rosie was so excited about her new toy that she had to snuggle with it for awhile.

Dick got lots of new goodies this year!

Mom's favorite was her new outfit and she looks so good in it too!

Then it was on to Ashley and Tony's house! Whew! Her table was set so pretty and the food was delicious. It was fun to have ham at Amanda's the night before and turkey for Christmas.

Abbey had her own special tree in the dining room decorated with all of the ribbons she won this year showing her rabbits. Adorable!

This year we were honored with a new special guest and "member of our family". Jessica has been staying with Ashley and Tony quite a bit and it was a joy to have her with us this year. I have a feeling that she will be a big new part of our family!

Abbey and Jessica got new rabbit show aprons and had to model them for us.

Jessica was happy with her cozy new bathrobe. Nice to snuggle in to watch movies and hang out at Ashley's house.

Our little Lucy was beyond excited. This is her first year to really "get it"! BUT, the poor little thing didn't get a nap with all of the excitement and was getting SO tired. We got a Cinderella dress and accessories for her very own. I'll bet she'll want to try it on today.

Our Abbey had a ball too. She got a new camera from us and a phone from her parents. Doesn't get much better than that! Can't wait to spend time with her while she's off on vacation.

It was finally time for jammies, but Lucy had to have one last look at her zoo. Ashley said she was asleep within 3 minutes after we left.

Chad and Kim were the ultimate Santa's this year! They gave me a wonderful Canon camera with a big zoom. Can't wait to learn how to use it and starting taking regular "photographs" again!
All in all, this was one of the nicest holidays we've had in a long time. I was very hesitant about not having everyone here, but it turned out so nice. We got to visit each home, spend quality time with all of the grandchildren and children - AND I DIDN'T HAVE THE MESS TO CLEAN UP!!! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
Now it's time to get back to business. Today and tomorrow will be spend sewing and making new goodies for the shop. Dick is busy building some fabulous new pieces and then we will be back to work on Wednesday with great sales to ready everything for new merchandise.
Until next time...