We spent Christmas down in Charleston this year, which was a lot of fun. It was fairly cold the first day we were there, but quickly warmed up to a balmy 75 degrees by the time Christmas morning arrived. Molly enjoys snow around the holidays, so for her this was a little troublesome. Personally, I couldn't care less if my Christmas morning is white. I prefer warm weather to cold, and feel just as spirited without the snow, so I was happy. Needless to say, we all managed to have a great time.
A few weeks before Christmas, we drove to Wilmington to visit with Tom, Carrie and Thomas Gallo. They had never had the chance to meet Mary Grace, and we wanted to meet little Thomas, so we made the short trip for the night. We had such a great time catching up, eating oysters, watching basketball and introducing the kids. Mary Grace and Thomas hit it off pretty well; Thomas even let Mary Grace borrow some pajamas because Dad forgot to throw hers in the suitcase.
Mary Grace wearing her borrowed pajamas while Tom cooks a fantastic breakfast in the background.
Thomas smiles for the camera.
Two great moms.
Thomas and Mary Grace playing on the couch.
The following week, we celebrated Christmas a little early with Geegee and Poppie since we would be going to Charleston on the week of Christmas. We had a wonderful Christmas dinner, lots of good wine and of course a good deal of gift giving. Mary Grace absolutely loved opening presents and dancing to Christmas carols with her Grandparents.
In front of the tree before we drove to Geegee and Poppie's house.
Opening her first gift.
Surrounded by Christmas presents.
Playing with the wrapping paper.
Celebrating with Poppie.
Poppie and his girls.
Iaucos in front of the tree.
Dancing with Geegee.
Trying to break the glass camel.
We received a gift that came in a little box that played James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)" when it was opened. Mary Grace must have a lot of soul because she would start dancing and laughing every time it played the song. Here is a little video of her dancing to the song:
After celebrating with Geegee and Poppie, we drove down to Shelby to visit Mary Grace's Great-Grandparents and other family members. We had a lot of fun catching up with everyone and celebrating the holidays.
Mary Grace and Great-Grandpa Jim.
Discussing politics at the table after dinner.
Making faces at the camera with Betse and Dennis.
Reading a bedtime story with Great-Grandma Jackie and Grandpa.
Mary Grace and Grandpa
Opening presents with Great-Grandma Jackie.
Matt, Stephanie and Mary Grace.
Upon leaving Shelby, we drove down to Charleston for the week of Christmas. As I said before, the weather was perfect, and we really enjoyed spending most of the time outside.
The big news of the year is that Aunt Johanna is newly betrothed to now-future-Uncle Trask Hughes. We are all very excited, as we love Trask and his family. We spent Christmas Eve with the Hughes on Bailey Island, where they have a beautiful house. Mary Grace loved hanging out with all of the other kids while the adults visited with each other, played pool and ate plenty of great food.
In front of the tree before heading to dinner with the Hughes.
Mary Grace in her Christmas outfit.
Grandma and Mary Grace.
Mommy and Mary Grace.
Molly and Aunt Johanna.
Mary Grace playing with Grandma and the other kids.
The newly engaged couple.
Uncle Trask and Mary Grace.
Helping Mary Grace walk.
Another shot of the Iauco family.
Out on the dock.
Another on the dock.
Mary Grace and Daddy.
The ladies at sunset.
Christmas morning was a lot of fun, and by this point Mary Grace probably thought opening gifts was an everyday event. Still, she tore through them and loved every minute. Grandpa had toiled in his workshop for weeks before Christmas making Mary Grace her own little table and chairs set from scratch. This set is almost exactly like the one that he made for us when we were growing up. I have so many memories of sitting at that table doing art projects and eating snacks when I was a little kid; it is really special that Mary Grace will have those memories as well.
Mary Grace really loved chasing Maris around the house all week, and seemed to flourish in terms of mobility. She had already been pulling up for a few weeks, but really started to attempt climbing stairs and walking while we were down in Charleston. She has a few bruises to show for it, but she was moving all over the house behind her little baby carriage, pushing her dolls and running over anything in her way.
Mesmerized on Christmas morning.
Sitting backwards in her new chair.
Clapping and getting excited.
Opening her first gift.
Playing with Maris.
Molly and Maris.
Enjoying Christmas morning.
Watching Mary Grace open gifts.
Mary Grace and Harmony Bear.
Daddy putting together all of the toys.
Pushing her bear around in the baby carriage.
"Out of my way!"
Getting ready for a bike ride.
Hanging her little purse on the side of the carriage.
Bedtime with her bear.
Swinging with Grandma.
Flying high.
She still loves to swing.
Swinging with Mommy.
Climbing the stairs.
Learning how to get back down the stairs.
A very proud little girl.
Here is a little video of us riding bikes on Christmas morning:
All-in-all, we had a great Christmas holiday and are really looking forward to an exciting 2009. We are closing on our first home in about two weeks, so that is both frightening and relieving at the same time. We will update with some pictures of the house as soon as we close, but we don't want to jinx anything by posting any information too early.
Happy New Year to everyone!
