Davis Christmas

We had an eventful Christmas this year. Britt's poor dad had to have his third retina surgery just days before Christmas. So the family cancelled our Coarsegold Christmas and headed to Sacramento for an all too short but still wonderful early holiday together. Poor Papa had to keep his eye covered and his head down but he still managed to keep up with the commotion.

Allyson made sure to point out Papa's "owie."

The night before going to Sacramento the girls and I stayed with Uncle Daniel, Aunt Angela and "baby" Morgan. The girls had so much fun playing with their cousin. This is one of my favorite videos with Morgan laughing after playing "Rosy" (Ring around the Rosy).

The girls also cuddled on the air mattress together, making faces.

We had lots of food at Papa and Nana's thanks to Dusty and Angela! The chicken tortilla soup and Chile Verde were my favorites but the girls especially like Angela's dessert on a stick!

Of course, presents take center stage at any Davis Christmas and this was no exception. Papa, Nana and Aunties went overboard! The girls were so excited to get many favorites from their wish list.

Just watch Nicole's reaction when she opens this one!

Hugging her Easy Bake Oven.

Loving her scrapbook album!

Allyson was happy with just a bag!

Or a box.

But she also liked the presents!

Here Allyson says "Thank You Dusty!" So cute.

Thank you Aunt Dusty!

Another favorite gift of Allyson's was the baby doll swing. Well, we asked for a baby doll swing. But, of course, Nana and Papa went all out and got the complete set: a swing, high chair, stroller and accessories. She loves them and uses the stroller constantly.

Nicole was also excited about giving, too. She earned money through chores and went shopping at our local library with a list of names. A woman helped her shop and she walked out with two huge bags of completely wrapped gifts. Nana got a tape measure and Papa got a key chain.

Morgan got a tea set from us and, being the sweet and dainty girl she is, seemed to like it. 

Morgan in action.

Dusty was thrilled to get a newly embellished Christmas sweater...the one she gave me last year. I wish I would have taken a picture of the actual sweater. It is just gorgeous! : )

I got a horse whip from Britt. Seriously. But there is a good explanation. I've been telling him I'd like to learn how to ride English and jump horses. So I guess now I better get crackin'! You know, I could think of some other uses for this little gift.

Nicole thought Chase was so cool. She tried climbing the walls (literally) just like him!

We cannot believe how big Chase is getting!! Britt was happy to have some special time with him. Britt had about a week with his family before the girls and I flew out to join him. He and Chase went to the movies together and were able to just hang out.

Here Allyson is beginning to get a little tired and I tried to use bribery to get some of her cute Christmas spirit on video. She loves to watch herself on video and that usually works if I want to get her to say something.

Just as we were getting ready to leave I got to spend a little time with my beautiful mother-in-law. Saying goodbye to both of my in-laws was especially difficult with all that is happening in their lives. While we were talking Allyson decided to come in and "get some work done," providing just the right amount of comic relief.

The presents and food were wonderful but I think what we will take away from this Christmas was the joy of being together in spite of circumstances which could easily have kept us apart. Watching my father-in-law hold Allyson in his arms was Christmas for Britt and me. Get well, Larry. We love you.