We had a fantastic time in the States for Christmas. Elise officially became a world traveler, earning her first stamps in her passport. Both Finley and Elise were good on the flights and very tolerant of us dragging them from house to house (to house to house to house). As always, it was wonderful to watch our children interact with their extended family, and they both seemed to grow exponentially during the trip. And I have to brag about my mom, who was so kind as to make as many Christmas goodies as possible with dairy substitutes! (Yep, still off dairy.) That's about all I have the time or energy to say for now, as we're all still trying to recover from jet lag, plus Finley is sick. Here are photos from our first stop in NC. I'll try to get MI photos edited and posted soon.
Barnette Christmas dinner, complete with singing and jingle bells
Finley really enjoyed the jingle bells this year!
Elise snoozing with her great-grandmother
Two new babies in the family this Christmas! Lots to celebrate.
This kid has the best eyelashes ever.
Family photo attempt
First round of Christmas presents
Elise's Christening
Reading "The Night Before Christmas" with Granddad
Christmas Morning!
Putting out fires with his new fire truck
Finley really enjoyed making a long line of presents.
Papa getting in some cuddles with Elise, his newest great-grandbaby
Finley's Knuffle Bunny from Grandmommy and Granddad
Loving all the smiles from this sweet girl
Next year Isaac will be tearing into the gifts!
Making sugar cookies. Finley was in charge of the sprinkles. He ate most of them.
Elise with her lovely grandmommy
