We changed things up a little this year, and decided to take a road trip to Santa Fe for Thanksgiving. John Lee's grandma lives there and he hadn't spent any sort of holiday with her since he was a kid, so we thought that it would be a good change of pace. Plus, I always welcome a reason to do some Black Friday shopping in a different town other than Las Cruces. I was put in charge of making the pies, which I love because I prefer baking over cooking any day. I decided to make a pumpkin pie, apple pie and a Coco Pie (a pie that my Oma was famous for). I think the day that I was making them, I must have told Avery at least 20 times, that I was making pies and that the kitchen was "hot" so stay out.
Our trip was so wonderful and Avery enjoyed every minute with "Mita" (Avery's version of Gramita) and Gramita loved every minute of her "Hita". I got to do some serious Black Friday shopping, and we even made it back home on Saturday with enough time to catch the last Aggie football game of the season. I can't remember a Thanksgiving that I have enjoyed so much. Maybe it was the childlike wonder that has so often accompanied the holidays with Avery in our life? Maybe it was the "getaway" part of it? I'm not too sure. I am sure, though, that I can't wait to do it again.
That brings me to the best holiday of them all - Christmas. No words can describe this year's Christmas, except MAGICAL! Decorating was a real adventure with a toddler following my every move and "unpacking" boxes. The first day of having a fully decorated house, came with a lot of "don't touch that Avery!", but after about 30 times, she finally got the hint and did great throughout the remainder of the month. The Love Bug was also a great gift wrapper. Most presents under our tree were full of miscellaneous tape put on by the Love Bug herself. I thought it was a great touch though.
One night, a couple of weeks before Christmas, we decided to go look at Christmas lights. There is one house, not too far from our home, that goes all out in their decorating - music and all. We slowly made our way by the house, lights dimmed, windows down (one benefit of 70* weather in December), listening to the music. Avery's face lit up and a big smile spread from ear to ear. She loved "Christmas!" As we were driving off, she yelled from the backseat, "No STOP! More Christmas." Then as we were driving off to see more lights, she noticed other houses with lights, and said, with relief, "Oh, there's Christmas!" - like we had taken it away from her before.
Christmas Eve really came quickly this year - or so it seemed - because before I knew it, I was in a mad rush to get everything in order for the big two day event. Presents wrapped, pictures taken, holiday cards sent, groceries bought, house cleaned, cookies made and every other chore that comes with the undertaking of hosting Christmas at your house.
This was the first year that we didn't spend Christmas Eve in Alamogordo - it just didn't work out like years past. And even though my dad joined us in Las Cruces and took us to dinner, which was great, it still wasn't the same. Christmas Eve was my Oma's holiday, and since she passed in 2007 no one really has taken over her "duties" - so it was a day of really missing her, and her holiday traditions. But it also gave me the opportunity to reflect that I only hope to one day represent some of those same traditions revamped for my family. Okay, enough of that! During my dad's visit, Avery got to open her gifts from him and my step-mom, and she was truly spoiled. She got a really cool art easel and a mini-power quad. Of course, my smarty-pants Love Bug, loved the easel and the magnetic letters that came with it, but it took her a little bit to not be scared of the power quad - what can I say, she is my daughter, and with that comes a very timid temperament.
Once my dad left, we started a new tradition of putting the cookies out for Santa and then reading "A Night Before Christmas" Followed by our family all getting on our new jammies we got for Christmas. This year was kind of the in between period for Avery. She was old enough to know something was different, and that she should be excited, but too young to truly "get" the why behind the whole thing. Regardless, though, having a child look at the events of Christmas with the utmost of wonderment, truly takes the holiday to a totally different level. I thought I loved Christmas before she came into my life, but now I know what it means to REALLY L.O.V.E. Christmas.
Christmas morning couldn't come fast enough for me. Again, Avery had no clue what was awaiting her under our Christmas tree. I was up first and did my job of waking the other two Conners up to see what Santa brought us all. As soon as Avery got into the living room, her face lit up to see the new play kitchen set up and ready to go. She loved it so much that she didn't want to open any more presents. I had to make her. After all was said and done, Santa truly blessed the Love Bug with more than she needs.
The best part of the morning was Avery "cooking" as I was preparing the turkey and getting ready to go to church. When asked what she was making, her answer was "pies" - I wonder where she got that from - crazy kid!
Next came the part of Christmas that is often over looked and forgotten, but the true reason from the season. Christ. We made our way to church, where Avery did great (that hasn't always been the case in the months past). At the end of the congregation singing "Joy to the World", Avery clapped and yelled "yay" as loud as she could. So unexpected in a Catholic church, but so refreshing at the same time, that the entire parish laughed and turned to look at her. I was just a proud mom of the sweetest little girl in the whole world at that moment.
The rest of Christmas day came and went with a total blur. Avery was so blessed (or spoiled, if you will) by so many people who love her. She got Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads from John Lee's brother, Abe, a Mobigo from my sister, Cyndi, and some gorgeous Bitty Baby doll clothes, from my brother, Jake, as well as a backpack from my sister, Tara and from John Lee's aunt and uncle. She also got the extras for her kitchen (dishes, food, etc.) from my mom and step-dad. From John Lee's mom, she got a chest full of dress up clothes, perfect for our girlie-girl. And one of the coolest gifts ever, John Lee's dad refurbished John Lee's tricycle he used when he was Avery's age. They truly don't make em' like they used to.
I think that's all, but if I forgot to mention something, I am sorry. Allow me though to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave anyone in our family a gift. We are so grateful to have you all in our lives! So thank you!
Overall, our holidays were full of love, blessings, family togetherness, and just sending it all up to the Lord, for He is the reason that we celebrate. A Child is Born!
Here's to an even better 2011.
Lots of love!
Emily
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