Christmas . . . Round 3, but first a Birthday

Nonna's Birthday is on Christmas Eve so usually we end up celebrating a few days before. This year though we got to celebrate on the actual day by enjoying a brunch at our house. Reed napped through most of it, which is probably why I don't have too many pictures, but Chelsea and I switched off  taking a few photos of us at the table at least.

After brunch and presents we loaded up the kiddo and Pepe drove us to Dos Palos where Debbie's parents live. I've been to Christmas Eve at their house quite a few times but have never been able to stay for dinner (they put together an amazing spread and Papa makes some delicious Italian dishes). Since we weren't rushing out the door this year we were able to be a little more leisurely about opening presents and spending time with everyone. I was a little nervous about Reed exploring Gran and Papa's house, it is pristinely clean and has beautiful breakable keepsakes everywhere you look. The Kiddo did great and only once didn't immediately listen when I told him he couldn't touch something. Everyone definitely helped out by playing with Reed. The winning gift of the evening was a recordable Christmas book Jon's Aunt Diana and her husband Benny got Reed. She spent a ton of time recording herself reading the story, but all Reed wanted to do was open the book to the first page and dance to the music that starts off the story.

Reed wasn't sure about Benny signing "milk"
to trick him into letting him hold him

Papa helping Reed explore

Tio helped Reed jump over everything in the living room

 

Shuttling the quilted letters I made him to Nonna

Going  for a flight with Cousin TJ

This was our next attempt at a family shot - better than the night before, but still not great. I also wish I had noticed we were all wearing stripes before we left home, and it was too late to change! At least the pictures with other family members turned out great.

Towards the end of the night The Monkey started to get really sleepy and was too cute when he kept laying on everyone.

Reed wasn't sure about Aunt Diana cuddling with Soft Sheep

I thought the second we got in the car Reed would zonk out, but I think having Mom and Nonna in the backseat with him was too exciting and so it was a good half an hour before he dozed off. Another great day under our Christmas belts!!!