Though Violet thoroughly enjoyed her first Christmas, I think it's safe to say that this year her mama and dad enjoyed it more! We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Stickney's, along with Aunt Kristin and Uncle Mat. Our gift exchange there was Violet's first run at unwrapping and she took to it right away, particularly the plucking of bows from paper (as seen in the first two photos above). After a late night there, Eric and I stayed up even later wrapping Violet's gifts - an event prompted by procrastination that turned out to be yet another sweet, sentimental part of Christmas as parents.
Christmas morning started off with a trip downstairs to see what Santa had left for Violet under the tree: a soft, floppy stuffed horse that - sprawled out - can serve as a playmat, and a wooden activity arch. Both were a big hit. After breakfast, the three of us adjourned to the couch to bask in sunshine and Christmas music, which lulled us into a nice nap. The afternoon included a walk with Atticus, and of course, more presents. And it's not over yet . . . we head to Eden to celebrate Christmas/New Year's with the rest of the Swartz family this weekend.
