Christmas 2010

Christmas was so much fun this year.  Having a child really changes your perspective.  Last year was fun, but Joey was only 4 months old, so this year, at 16 months, he was much more into it. 

We started off with Christmas Eve Mass at my Grandparents church in Scottsdale (We were not able to travel home this year because of baby Genevieve).  Joey was super hyper during Mass, but still was pretty well behaved.  He just kept yelling out DADA!  haha...I think he was giving baby Jesus a shout out :). 

After Mass we went to my Grandparents condo where we had a nice lasagna for dinner.  In my family, it has always been tradition to open up presents from each other on Christmas Eve, and Santa was on Christmas morning.  Since we were with my family, we followed our tradition.  Joey opened up just a few presents before bed.  He opened up his Auntie Nicole and Auntie Tara's present, and his present from my Grandparents.  Boy did he love his gifts:

A record player from Aunt Nicole and Family

....and a book on the birth of Jesus!

A geometric game for Joseph to learn his shapes
from Auntie Tara and Uncle Drew

A helicopter from Grandpa and Grandma
Pederson!

After opening these presents, it was time for Joey to go to bed!  The grown-ups took time to open their presents from each other.  Cory got 3 books from me (trust me, this is the best gift to give him).  He always provides a list of books he wants, but this year I was able to give him something that was not on his list! He loved it.  I got him a World Atlas.  Cory loves looking at maps and the geography of other countries. 

I got several books this year too.  I am really excited to start reading them!  Cory also framed a family photo for me.  I absolutely love it.  It was such a sweet idea. 

We were all pretty tired and went to bed soon after opening gifts.  Cory and I just had to chop some vegetables for our egg casserole in the morning.  What a great Christmas Eve it was! 

Stay tuned for Christmas Day :).