This year Christmas seemed to sneak up on us so quickly. I think it was because Thanksgiving was a bit later than usual and I was so super busy the last few weeks at work trying to prepare for the long holiday break that the days just flew by.
We knew we were going to be out of town on the actual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so on Sunday, Dec. 15 we decided to have our own Christmas morning at home. While I decided and Mattie graciously went along with it. Since it was our baby's first Christmas, I really wanted those moments with just our little family first, before we dove into the plethora of fun family celebrations.
We got Brinley a very practical play pen and some fun toys and books. We turned on all the Christmas lights and enjoyed watching her face and Matt brought her downstairs that morning to see her new presents. We then hung out as a family and sipped some hot chocolate. It was a precious moment and one that more than lived up to my expectations! : )
 |
| Brinley's new play pen, ready and waiting |
 |
| We love our house decorated for Christmas. To use Matt's word, it's "cozy." |
 |
| Coming down the stairs on "Christmas morning" |
 |
| She liked her new toys |
 |
| Her monkey stocking |
After our home Christmas celebration and another crazy week at work, we officially kicked off the Christmas craziness by heading down to Wisconsin and to my Dad and Robbin's for the annual Brennan family Christmas. It is always a blast getting together with that side of the family and this year was no exception. My Dad and Robbin did and awesome job preparing everything and even arranged for a few surprises, including horse drawn wagon rides and a slide show of family photos from when he and my Aunt and Uncles were little. My Grandma B has had a rough couple of years but made it out for the party and was looking great. So wonderful to have doing better and in great spirits!
It was really awesome seeing everyone interacting with Brinley as well and she of course was a little charmer. She is such a happy baby that everyone can't help but love her. Not to mention she's pretty darn cute ; )
Photos got a bit out of order, but of course there are a ton of them!
 |
| She is sitting so well! |
 |
| The horse drawn wagon was a huge hit |
 |
| Meeting her second cousin Amanda |
 |
| My loves. And I was so excited that she got to wear her little coat and hat : ) |
 |
| We had gingerbread houses to decorate as well and Bryce and Joselyn really got creative! |
 |
| Absolutely loved this Christmas outfit. Courtesy of Nana! |
 |
| Grandma B looking great! |
 |
| Uncle Mike, the baby whisperer had just put Brinley to sleep before this photo was taken. |
 |
| 4 generations! |
The next morning we did our Christmas present opening with my Dad and Robbin and of course little missy stole the show.
 |
| So cute to watch her open her gifts |
 |
| She figured out how to tear the paper, the key was to keep her from eating it |
 |
| My dad picked out a really cute little tigger sweatshirt for her |
 |
| Being silly with Grandpa's hats |
After a great time over the weekend with my Dad and Robbin, we headed to my Mom and Garry's for Christmas #2. It was really nice spending a few days there and getting lots of time for R&R. They also gave us the greatest gift ever and kept Brinley overnight on Monday night so that Matt and I could go off to a hotel in the Dells just the two of us. It was fantastic and a much needed break! We just ordered take out and watched movies and enjoyed a good night's sleep with no interruptions! (We do love you Brinny boo and we missed you very much :))
My mom is also an amazing cook so we enjoyed some awesome meals including a fantastic prime rib dinner as well as really yummy pulled pork sandwiches on Christmas Eve. Overall, a great few days with my fam. And of course there are more pics:
 |
| Adorable girl in the "official" Christmas dress |
 |
| Grandpa Garry |
 |
| She had lots of help opening gifts here too |
 |
| She's quite the loved little girl |
 |
| They were even good sports and got Brinley some adorable Vikings gear |
 |
| Wes and Sarah came over on Christmas Eve and it was wonderful to see them! |
 |
| Our family : ) |
We headed back home the afternoon of Christmas Day and spent some time unpacking and getting settled back into our own beds. The next day we headed over to Matt's parents house for Christmas with his fam. His sister Dana and brother-in-law Phil were in town from DC with their two kiddos and we had lots of fun hanging out with all of them. We all wish we lived closer but try and make the most out of the time we are together!
Now this is seriously embarrassing, but for some reason I forgot to take a single picture at Matt's parents house and then in the days to follow when we hung out with Dana, Phil, Adam and Clara. I know I had my camera with me, but in the craziness of it all I just plumb forgot. Plus, Matt's not a huge picture guy so I know he was encouraging me to enjoy the moment, and I guess I just did.
We had a wonderful time with everyone and I feel terrible that we don't have any photographs to record it all. I promise to have a Leibrock family post very soon!
Here is the one solitary pic of Dana and Brinley, and I didn't even take it. Matt's Dad, Rob, did on my camera. Sigh.
Anyway, we had an amazing first Christmas(s) with our wonderful family and beautiful little girl. We hope and pray that all of you did as well. Merry Christmas!
No comments:
Post a Comment