More Christmas 2011

Being in the midst of moving and having 2 houses torn apart with the bulk of our belongings still in boxes, we decided to go to Elkhart for the Christmas weekend, take a break from the tiresome job of moving, and just relax and enjoy the awesomeness of all that Christmas is with family.

SATURDAY, Christmas Eve:

We arrived in Elkhart late morning and jumped right in to help Grandma Joanie make the cheesecakes!

Aubri is a pro at baking and cooking and is ALWAYS willing to lend a helping hand.

This is the way you make cheesecake from scratch:

 1st...you crush up the crackers for the crust.

And stir everything together.

Then you add the melted butter.

And stir.

Next you mix it good with your (clean) hands!

And press the crust into the pans.

For the filling, you press out the cream cheese.

Crack the eggs.

And whisk them super good.

Once everything is mixed together, you pour it carefully into the pie pans.

Minus the crumbs on top, they are ready to bake!

Aubri & Mommy with the completed cheesecakes!

Nobody (especially Daddy) could wait another day for presents so we opened everything this night!

 Her gift from Papa...her very own, real Fender electric guitar with a baby amp!

 She absolutely loves music and is a natural.

 Future professional musician.

 Uncle Ron stopped by for a visit!

 Our Christmas family photo.

 Bear you can color on then wash and do it again!

 Ellie dug right in to open Grandma & Papa's Garmin.

 Joan opening her "Mall Money".

 Aubri helping Ellie open her bucket of new toys!

 My new warm, fuzzy slippers!  Love 'em.

 Polar Bear & Book from Aunt Barb & Uncle Keith.

 Trace opens his Police Nutcracker from Aubri!

 Aubri's Girlie Nutcracker.

 They all 3 got Nutcrackers this year...courtesy of Aubri (and Grandma)!

Aubri picked them all out and Grandma paid for them.

 Art Easel.

 A new doll just about her size that can walk beside her!

 Aubri was pretty excited about her 2 new dolls.

 Daddy on the other hand was scared of it!  So much so that he ripped her arms off...Aubri cried...Mommy was shocked.  What a picture!

 A new family game.

Before bedtime we got cookies & milk ready for Santa and his reindeer!

SUNDAY:  Christmas Day!

Aubri was so excited to get out of the bedroom to see if Santa had come.  She told us that morning that she heard the reindeer!

 First, we looked at the table where we left the cookies & milk...there was a note from Santa, which read, "Thanks Aubri.  Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.  Love, Santa".

 Finally Daddy took her into the living room to see what Santa left for her!  The smile on her face told us she was happy with what she saw.

 Here it is...a pink volkswagon.  This is what she always said when you asked her what she hoped Santa would bring her.  She wanted a volkwagon just like Papa's!

 She was so excited, yet almost in disbelief as she climbed in.

 Then just excited!!

 Yay!

 Totally ready to cruise.

 Next she opened her stocking!

 A few Christmas pictures!

 It was wonderful that Christmas Day fell on Sunday this year and we had the pleasure of going to church together as a family to start off the special day.

 Aubri is greeted with a hug from Aunt Carol!

 The day was beautiful (with a slight chill) and we promised Aubri she would get to drive her car outside after church.

 She drove all over and had a blast!

 A pleased look!

 Uncle Terry & Grandma Alice joined us for the day as well.

 Daddy cutting the turkey.

 Aubri helping Sarah open a gift.

 This new hat made her happy!



It was a beautiful Christmas Day!