Christgiving 2012 - New England

The majority of Adam's family still resides in New England, so most years we try to make our way back East and partake in some good old fashioned holiday cheer. We have coined this time "Christgiving" as we usually go sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This year was especially fun (and exhausting!), as everyone had the opportunity to meet our sweet Olivia for the first time! It was a fun trip for Ellie as well, as she is now old enough to really enjoy playing with her cousins (or as she calls them, her "tall friends") of whom she adores!! We stayed at Adam's sisters home (thanks Alison and Keith!), which sits on about 6 acres of wooded forest area. Their backyard is truly a little kids (and big kids) dream... make-shift pirate ship platforms equipped with a pirate's telescope, hiking trails, bike trails and a large open field for HILL ROLLING!

We spent just a week in New England, but our time was jam-packed with family and friends! So many people to visit and so little time :) We were thrilled to have the opportunity to share in the holiday season with so many loved ones, including Ellie and Olivia's Great-Grammi Viv, which was truly special! We miss you all already! XO

Ellie loved walking her cousins to the bus stop everyday and this day, Alison and Keith's sweet neighbor had a balloon waiting for Ellie and Olivia! How did she know that Lavender was Ellie's favorite?! 

It wasn'tuntil after Ellie ate a mouthful of grass, she was finally done rolling down the hills :) 

But there was still plenty of energy left in her to play a little "jump over Daddy!" (It took Adam a couple of jumps to realize that maybe had should flip over onto his stomach for this game) ;)

Ho, Ho Happy Baby!

Ellie playing with her "tall friends"

and then"watching" the Grinch!

Olivia and Grammi Viv

Adam's Grampi's old wood craft sign. Hanging outside Grammi Viv's home. I would have loved to have met him, but we think of him often!

And what would "Christgiving" be without a little gift exchange?

Our little reindeer! And I am not sure what Ellie is doing in the background, but let's say she is "ho-ho-ho-ing" ;)