This time of year is always so much fun with the Christmas songs, holiday baking, family dinners, and parties! We've had such a busy week but we've had the most wonderful time too! Crista is so excited about all the new traditions and has become quite the little helper!
Reese's last day with us was Friday so the girls exchanged gifts. They were so excited to unwrap their gifts!
"Its 4:30 in the afternoon. Why am I taking a bath???"
Well, it started off innocently enough. Crista and I wanted to make some goodies to give to the neighbors's. Crista LOVES to help me in the kitchen (and I LOVE her helping me!) 
Then Crista decided to make a little treat of her own.
"Ummmm! It's tasty!"
"I like it!!"
What is it, you ask? Why, its Graham Cracker Soup, of course!! 
"Cooking sure is fun! And eating sure is MORE fun!" (double click on the picture to see how much fun Crista had eating her creation!)
Then we crushed a few candy canes to make peppermint bark.
But Crista thought it would be better to eat the candy rather than crush it! 
Next it was time for me to wash the dishes and try to get mushy graham crackers out of the drain (we don't have a disposal). That's when I realized Crista was too quiet. I looked around the corner and saw she was sitting very sweetly in the laundry basket. Then I heard a strange little noise. Like candy wrappers. I look into the laundry basket and found this...
She had gotten a candy cane off our Christmas tree, unwrapped it and was eating it!So that's why Crista is in the tub at 4:30 in the afternoon. From head to toe she was soaked and sticky!
"Who me, Mama? I didn't do it!!"
"Yeah, like they're going to believe that one!"
"Ok, I did it! And I liked it too! Ha Ha Ha!"
The next day, we assembled our goodies and took them around to our neighbors and friends. We had to bundle up because it cold here!
Here's my best helper ready to give away some treats! 
She did such a good job!
Friday night was a very special evening for the Brown family! We decided to have our very first family Christmas that night. We'll actually be in Georgia for Christmas so instead of hauling all our gifts down, just to bring them back, we decided to do Christmas early! The evening started off with a yummy dessert. This may be Crista's first real taste of chocolate. But she had to get it away from Daddy first!
We're not sure, but we think she liked it!!
Next it was time to open presents!
"Did you say...presents??!!!"
Crista got a new baby doll with all the feeding accessories. She really liked it! We asked Crista what her new baby's name was going to be. She said "Sissy." And that's what she's been calling her since!
I got a new book by my favorite author, lots of my favorite candies, and a new pair of shoes!
Daddy got exotic jerkey (ostrich, venison, & buffalo), a new Wii game, and some candy. 
I know I'm a little biased, but this had to be the best first family Christmas! Its completely heartwarming to see the husband you adore and your miracle baby around the Christmas tree, opening gifts, laughing, and having such a great time together. I've been waiting for this moment for so long. I went to bed that night with a fullness and peace that I can't explain. Life couldn't get any sweeter than this!
