Clare's First Christmas

Clare’s first Christmas was a huge success.  We slept in a bit, Jeff actually got up before Clare, and took our time opening presents and working our way thru the day; our flight wasn’t until 4:40 so we didn’t have to rush. Clare got the hang of ripping the paper and enjoyed playing with her new toys, she has not shortage of new things to play with and we now have a need for some sort of storage system.

Clare enjoyed her stocking, it had 3 tickets to see the Rockies next year.  She'll be going to see the Cubs, Dodgers and Pirates.  The Cubs will be playing on her birthday, wonder if Jimenez will pitch another perfect game for her that day?

A Laugh and Learn Kitchen, she likes turning the switch on and off, pressing the burner and chewing on the pot.  Wonder if she'll enjoy cooking like her Dada.

A Sunshine Symphony from Grammy and Grampy!

This package not only looked pretty it tasted great too!  I ended up opening it for her so she wouldn't put the tissue in her mouth.  

We headed off to the airport and waited for our flight.  Clare was great on the plane, she slept the entire time except for about 10 minutes at the end; nobody can say that she was the screaming baby on that flight.  Greg and Gail were waiting for us in Tulsa and after having dinner at the slowest and dirtiest McDonalds we were on our way to Joplin. 

This was my first Christmas with Jeff’s family in Joplin, last year Greg and Gail came to Denver, and it was interesting to see how other families celebrate.  All day we lounged around while Gail worked on cooking her many appetizers in preparation for everyone’s 5:00 arrival.  Once everyone arrived we ate and then moved towards the living room where the 9ft tree with more packages that I’ve ever seen was waiting for us.  Cindy and Dillon played the role of Santa and passed out the gifts, Clare had the largest pile of anyone.  Clare opened the ceremonial first gift and then it was free game, no taking turns or opening one by one.  Everyone must have been on Santa’s good list as we all received many wonderful things. 

Like any child the box was more exciting than the actual toy.

Until Greg put it together, and then the real fun began.  A toy car to stand behind or sit on!!

Look Dad, no hands!!  She slowly stood up without help.

Oh, did you not want me to touch this plant??

Clearly very excited about playing peek-a-boo.

A little standing practice with Greg while Gail finished getting ready.

Gail finally finished all the hard work in the kitchen, Clare was glad to finally get to play with her.

Hey Clare, what's on the end of your finger?  Anyone ever told you that you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friends nose; even if it is Grandpas nose!

Steve and Sally brought Clare a rodent!!  Her first zhu zhu pet, she thought it was pretty funny, can't wait to see what Kai thinks of it.

Hey Grandaddy Merrell, what's on your shirt?

The first of many packages under the tree for Clare.  No need for The Elf On The Shelf this year, she was the best little girl we all know.  Gail did get us The Elf On The Shelf for next year.

Books, blocks, puzzles and baskets, oh my!

Despite being up long past her bedtime Clare did well.  Thankfully, Imo was more than happy to lend her shoulder to a sleepy little girl.

Gail practicing her 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' routine on the xylophone.  

Clare had a wonderful Fist Christmas and was spoiled.  Her toy collection has increased significantly, now more than before I’m thinking we need a bigger house, where do we put all this stuff? 

Thank you to everyone that helped us celebrate this holiday season, you have helped make it a very special time for Clare.  I’ve been trying to write things down and take lots of pictures, as I told Jeff on Christmas morning, Clare will only ever have one First Christmas.