Christmas 2010....Gianna's 1st Christmas

We had a good Christmas holiday this year.  It was nice not to have to travel with the 2 kids, but we sure did miss our Illinois family!  We had a very relaxing day today.  We started by opening Santa's presents at home.  Then we went to Gammy and Gampy's house for dinner and some more gift giving.  On Christmas Eve, we had Gammy and Gampy and cousin Natalie over to our house for dinner.  It was nice to be able to spend time together.

Isabella had a great Christmas!  She is still not quite old enough to understand the concept of Santa and that he brings presents while we are asleep and only if we are good and obey our parents.  But, she loves seeing Santa at the mall, on TV, around town, etc.  Next year will be even more exciting to watch how she reacts to Christmas. 

Gianna had a good 1st Christmas too!  She slept in a bit this morning before we helped her open her gifts.  She doesn't know to be too excited to get up early to see what is underneath the tree!  I can't wait until she is old enough to understand and get excited along with her big sister!

We are just so thankful for the birth of Jesus and feel so blessed with the love shown from our families and friends.  We keep those that are less fortunate in our thoughts and prayers during this time of joy.

Enjoy our photos below....





Puzzle from Santa

Gianna so excited for her 1st Christmas  ;)

Happy sisters!

Enjoying Christmas!

A successful Santa visit without tears!

My gift from Anthony....for our Anniversary next year!

A Meeting, Wedding & Family Time

Last weekend we all made a trip back to Peoria for a long weekend.  My good friend Carlene got married and I was a bridesmaid in the wedding.  It was a beautiful wedding with snow falling most of the day!  Congrats to Carlene and Nathan!! 

It was also a time for Grandpa H. to meet Gianna and see Isabella again.  Of course, Grandpa got a big smile on his face when he saw Gianna and Isabella standing in front of him.  He also got a chance to hold Gianna a couple of times.  I think he really enjoyed that.  There was even a time when Isabella was sitting on my lap and she decided to slide off to get down and Grandpa saw that out of the corner of his eye, and he reacted pretty quickly, thinking she was falling.  It was amazing to see his reflex to help and react so quickly!  I know he loves his little baby granddaughters. 

We had a great time spending those days with Grandma H. and seeing the rest of the family!  Grandma did a lot of babysitting, but I know she loved every minute of it!!  She even witnessed Gianna rolling from her back to stomach for the first time!!  Anthony and I missed it, as we were at the wedding.  Oh well, I'm glad she got to see it first.  I hope that Isabella and Gianna always remember their trips to Peoria.  Spending time with their aunts, uncles, and many cousins.  We are glad we got a chance to visit, even during this hectic time of year! 



Gianna and Grandpa Hohulin




Me with Carlene, the beautiful bride



Grandma Hohulin & Gianna

Grandma and her last 2 grandchildren