The first week as a family of 4

The next day Liv went to school so it was Duane, me and Annie. We took Annie to the doctor for her first check-up and she checked out perfectly. We had just enough time to rush home and greet my parents, Libby and Alex. Then, my mom, Alex and Duane went to Liv's school for her Christmas program. My dad, Libby, Annie and I stayed at the house - I was not willing to expose little Annie to the school of germs.

decorating cookies

Liv's class - they're ready to start singing!

she took in her wish list to show Santa

Olivia and the gang came back to the house and we all had dinner together. Then, the gifts started and they didn't seem to ever stop! Liv is beyond spoiled now because she's a big sister. Annie seems to get the short end of the stick but then again, she was held almost every minute my family was here so I think she came out ahead in the end!

The next day everyone stayed at home, except for Duane, who went into work for a portion of the day. Olivia began bossing around Alex early that morning and didn't seem to stop until the minute he left. (Best.Uncle.Ever!) Giesla sent up her sugar cookie dough, along with cookie cutters, sprinkles, etc! It was so great! Olivia helped cut out some cookies but then she was off with Alex, making him play princesses. They were able to get her to decorate 1 cookie and then she was done and ready to play again.

"Alex, can you play with me?!"

On Saturday, December 20, Jaron & Crystal came over to visit and meet Annie. Duane, Alex and my dad made chicken and steak fajitas and we all had lunch together. While Olivia napped, the guys put together her Christmas gift from my parents together in the basement. That evening, we celebrated Christmas as best we could without GG. Once again, Olivia was spoiled all over.

the first gift she opened was 3 books - she could have been done with those because she sat there with them and wouldn't open any others until she had looked through them!

Elsa earrings!

the big one - a trampoline!!!

The rest of our visit with my family was so nice - they helped us out so much and we couldn't be more thankful! To make it even better, the day before they were going to leave, my mom decided to stay an extra 2 days and bought a one-way flight back to IN for Christmas Eve day. While she was here, we cleaned our house (mom doing the icky tasks of dusting baseboards and scrubbing the basement floor) and baked more cookies for Christmas Eve. Annie also finally had a bath and she loved it! When we gave Liv a bath her first time at home, she screamed the whole time; Annie was totally quiet, until we took her out of the water; then she was not happy and let us know it.

she's a little cross-eyed in this picture but that's okay!

On Christmas Eve morning, my mom sadly left and headed to the airport. Thankfully her flights were on time and she made it back to Ferdinand safe and sound.