Christmas Vacation Recap Part I

We had a great Christmas vacation although I must admit that it does feel good to be back home. What follows is a recap of some of the highlights of our trip first to Stockton, CA, and then to Logan, UT.

It was so fun to see how excited Elizabeth was Christmas morning and to watch her look in her stocking and open her presents. She did in fact receive her slinky and her new sticker book from Santa and was very excited about it. She also got Chutes and Ladders, a coloring set, a Curious George doll that does somersaults and a bunch of new books. Natalie liked opening her presents but seemed to enjoy the orange in her stocking most of all (she's pretty hungry in the morning). She received some books, a little people set and this big inflatable roller thing that was nice for travel purposes (we had to check three bags to stay under the 50 lb weight limit). I was excited about some gifts I found for Joe and I think he liked them. He got two different Best of the Looney Tunes DVD sets, some clothes, books and Catch Phrase music edition which we learned is really fun to play. I got a nice necklace, pajamas, a manicure set and two books I wanted: Deceptively Delicious and Math Doesn't Suck. It was a fun morning opening presents with Grandma and Grandpa Allen and eating waffles. We only got video of Christmas morning, hence the lack of pictures. Later that day, my brother Chris and my sister Katie and their families came over for a delicious Christmas meal of prime rib that my dad made.

Uncle Chris and the kids playing on the trampoline

Daddy and Natalie: it's easy to see where Natalie gets her good looks. :)

Elizabeth and Isaac playing the piano (and looking pretty funny)

Some more pictures from our stay


Elizabeth loved having Sam chase her around the house but not so much when he'd catch her and jump up on her.

Grandma trying to keep the peace
Some other highlights of the trip were going to see the Kings play the Celtics (and lose unfortunately), going out to eat with friends, Joe going golfing, and visiting my brother Brad and his family in their new house in Mountain View. We also loved just hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa. Thanks again, Mom and Dad, for a great Christmas! We love you!
Part II will follow soon...