Christmas Begins!

Christmas 2009 began at Great-Grandpa & Grandma Kuehn's house in IA. It was a busy, fun day. Jacob got to play with the kids and would disappear for long stretches of time. What a difference a year makes. We felt like we had to keep more of an eye on him last year. Mariella was ready and willing to assume the role of Troublemaker, but she was really good. There was just one incident of her running away from Grandma B. in the living room and crawling under the Christmas tree, but no damage was done. She actually had several opportunities to get into the presents or the tree, and didn't take them. Maybe she was too busy checking out everything else. She enjoyed a lunch of ham and noodles. Who wouldn't?

This is how Mariella spends most of her time these days.

Mariella waiting patiently for gift opening to begin

Jacob waiting patiently for gift opening to begin

Mariella visiting with her great-grandparents

Here she is making sure great-grandpa isn't hiding any crackers in his hand

She likes to watch people's faces closely when they speak to her.

Playing with her new driving toy. Watch out, everyone!

Upside down baby

Little Miss Nosypants had to check out what Benjamin got

Chewing on the plastic bag to Ben's blocks, since we wouldn't let her have the blocks

Jacob opened his gift so quickly that I didn't get a picture of it. I think Grandma B. might have one, so I'll have to post it later. He was thrilled to get a kid-sized folding chair and a Cars sleeping bag. He sleeps with it on his bed every night!