Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2011!

This year has flown by! We are so blessed with many friends and family and truly blessed with our daughter. 2010 was a trying year, we had many deaths in the family but determined that 2011 has to be better.
We were able to go back to Onalaska for Christmas several days earlier than anticipated so we decided to surprise everyone and not tell anyone that we were coming back early. It was a nice surprise! Christmas Eve was spent with Marc's family. It was very enjoyable and fun to see all the children together! We attempted to get several pictures of all the kids together (we did, but when some were paying attention, others we not)! It was quite a task!!!
Christmas Day was spent with Erica's side of the family. A lot less commotion but still just as fun. Emilee was able to meet her great-grandmother from her grandpa Ward's side. At both Christmas' Emilee loved to eat all the tissue paper and wrapping paper- we chased her around but worth it!
Before Christmas, Emilee was able to sit on Santa's lap- she wasn't sure at first but then decided Santa wasn't bad and she decided to smile (just a little one)!
While back in Wisconsin we were able to meet up with several friends that also had children this year (we went to high school with all the boys-they were the best of friends). Brendan and Mary welcomed Brynna in January, then Marc and I with Emilee in February, Eric and Amanda with Jackson in August and last but certainly not least with Bob and Danielle welcoming Laynie in October!
Emilee has met many new little friends this year (Brynna, Alison, Drake, Jackson, Laynie, and Bryton) and has accomplished a lot herself. She can say some words with her favorite being "dada" and "uh oh." Sure wish that she would say "mama!" She crawled early and has been walking for several months! It is crazy to think that just in a few short months that she will be 1! It is bittersweet.
Bring on 2011! Love to you all! XOXOXO