Christmas in Appleton 2011

It was a white Christmas, after all!  We got a little snow on our drive up to Appleton. Although it made for some tough driving conditions, we appreciated the little gift to make it a white Christmas!  We had a wonderful time celebrating with Joe's family.  The kids (minus Connor) got to participate in the telling of the Christmas story by playing the part of angels (of course) during the Christmas Eve service.  Then we all gathered for a delicious meal and the excitement of gift-opening with 5 little ones!  Juliana was excited to receive a pretend mixer, a USA puzzle, a mini American girl doll, some books and a large art portfolio to keep all her pictures in.  Connor got all cozy in a Christmas fleece sleeper and enjoyed his puzzle (what fun to bang together!), truck and race car set. 

 Look! Grandpa and Connor have matching sweaters (not planned!)

 Caroline (3) and Lily (8)

 Sylvia (6) and Juliana (4)

 Connor (1)-look at me stand!

 The Girl's Table...poor Connor!

 The next morning, we all headed over to Sara and Mark's new home for a little Christmas brunch.  The kids received MORE gifts from Grandma and Grandpa (THE Barbie car and a Mega Blocks table).

 Connor and Aunt Julie in a rare moment when he allowed himself to be held!

 Connor trying out Caroline's new drum set

 Poor Grandma didn't get much time to hold Connor...he wants to get moving again.

 a little show from Caroline

THEN...we celebrated Connor's 1st birthday with a little cake and even more presents!  (somehow, Juliana managed to get another one too!).   Connor's face lit up with joy with his Topsy Turvy Fun Park toy!!

Connor LOVED being sung to:)

We are so happy to have had the chance to celebrate with all of our Wisconsin relatives!