Christmas Night at Uncle Chuckie's

I realize starting at Christmas night is a bit backwards.   But I want to start my review of the holiday by talking about how it went well.   Exhausting and busy, but it was the first Christmas it felt like much more than toddler management.  The A-team was so into it, weeks on advance.   By the time we got to Chuckie and Missie's house for the Butler get together, it was 6:30.  Their house has a lot of stuff and a lot of nooks and crannies.  And dogs parking from the balcony.  And not much light outside.  Abbey has struggled with their house, particularly last Christmas where after 20 minutes of a raging tantrum, mostly in the bathroom, she sat in the car.  It was too much for her.  She has come a long way, but we were not sure what to expect.   She was nervous because she said 'Don't be scared Baby Owl', a book character she relates to.   She did so well.   Not even any screaming and just a little panic when I was out of sight!  They mostly played in the corner of the living room, where they have a sizable antique metal toy collection.  Doesn't Adam look handsome in this shot?

Ellie was a little fussy.   It was the time of night where usually her and I have alone time in the bedroom.  She was refusing her bottle, but did well mostly.  I had to walk around with her a lot, but here she is on Daddy's lap.   That's Uncle Chukie in the background.

Sitting with my Daddy.   Chuckie was happy because after years of working on him, Adam will strike up conversation with him.   They have tried to get to know our kids more than anyone else in the family.  Adam was sneaking cookies all night and using the ice/water machine on the fridge, which I had to cut him off of and ask for help with.  He got his cousins Colin and Holly to, as usual.

Birthday cake time for Daddy.   Abbey got excited and started singing and blowing as soon as it was brought out.

She was squeezing her eyes shut while doing it.. So cute!  I love this photo.

And convinced Daddy to feed me his cake.  We headed home around eight and set about getting te kids to bed.  By ten, we were exhausted on the couch, but happy the last two days had gone so well.  Our sixth Christmas...!