Christmas Day - Home!

We were at home today, ready to celebrate Mariella's first Christmas. Jacob was excited to have Santa visit this year, and he had a nice collection of presents waiting for him this morning. Poor Mariella had trouble sleeping again (another cold) so she got off to a slow start, but she was in good spirits once she was rested.

It was a perfect day to just be home. It snowed heavy, wet flakes for much of the day. Jacob had a lot of fun playing with all his new toys and games, and Mariella went about her usual business. I'm sure she had no idea this was any different from other days. We had stuffed shells for dinner, which has been Tom's and my tradition for several years. Mariella even got a taste. I made her a dinner of the stuffing mixed with sauce, so she had everything but the shell (which I knew she would spit out). She loved it, and made a very cute mess that I didn't get a picture of, ending up in the bathtub.

Now for pictures:

Jacob went downstairs first thing and found his new train table (made by Grandpa B.). You can see on his face how pleased he was.

We had his track set up, and he jumped right in to play

Jacob's new 6-foot-long race track from Grandpa and Grandma S. Daddy thinks he will have a lot of fun with this too.

Jacob helping to make muffins. This is our 2-year tradition.

Sneaking a taste

While the muffins were baking, it was time to check out his stocking

Mariella checked hers out too

Mariella eating her very first Christmas muffins

Jacob playing with one of his new toys while Mariella climbs on Daddy

Jacob with his new mosaic puzzle set

Mariella helping Daddy get some toys loose from the package

Mariella opening one of her presents. It's a milk jug with cookies that she's supposed to put into it, but she prefers that someone else put them in so she can reach in and take them out.

Jacob with his new remote-controlled car (it goes fast!)

New pantry items for when Jacob goes grocery shopping

Mariella really liked her new train. It lights up and plays music, which makes her smile and dance (we have video that I'll post later).

Not surprisingly, Jacob also likes the train

He did let Mariella play with it too, though

It's hard to see out of a hat and hood! But sand toys also make really good snow toys.

Daddy and Jacob made some snow castles

This was our Christmas gift from the snow plow

Jacob and Daddy playing in the back yard


After playing outside in the snow, you have to come in and have hot chocolate