Christmas 2012

We had a wonderful first Christmas with Ella, full of family and eating, of course! We kicked things off with celebrating Christmas with the Folse/Carpenter side of the family a week ahead, and then we celebrated with the Folse/Vadnais side a few days before. Chris's parents and Grandma Barbi flew in from San Diego to spend the holiday week with us. Chris's brother, Jeff, flew in from Washington D. C., and his girlfriend, Erin, drove up from her family Christmas in Santa Barbara. We were able to have my parents, Megan, and Tim join us for Christmas breakfast, which was really nice.

Ella got lots of snuggling and playing in with her Garber family while they were in town, which we have pictures of below. It was so much fun to have Grandma Barbi, Jeff, and Erin meet her! 

Having Ella be a part of our family traditions, old and new, was so special-- and so was celebrating Christmas in our home for the first time. Everything was just a little more magical and better than before. It was fun to give her presents (even though she had no idea) and open them for her. She's a lucky girl-- most importantly because of how much love she receives from her family. We can't wait for more Christmas celebrations to come. The fun has just begun! 

Celebrating Christmas with the Folse Family-- Ella in her holiday dress with Grandma and Grandpa.

Ella had a very special question to ask. They said yes :)

Ella's first trip to the Buena Vista, a holiday season tradition.  She's yet to try their famous Irish Coffee :)

Our Family of 4 on Christmas Eve

Lots of cooking!

Christmas Breakfast with Folses, McMani, and Garbers

Garber Christmas 2012

Skyping Uncle Rob, Aunt Lisa, and Cousin Nick in New York

Ella in "Tropical Paradise" - Thanks for the name, Jeff :)

Exhausted from her first Christmas

Catching Up: Newborn Photo Shoot with Stacy

Our friend Stacy did it again! She took beautiful pictures of our Ella at 5 1/2 weeks. She just put in on her blog, so we wanted to update ours as well. You may notice some of the shots from Ella's birth announcement. We absolutely love them!

http://stacygreenwood.com/blog/2013/01/meet-ella/

We're in the process of catching up with blogging, so stay tuned for some pictures of the last month or two. It's been a busy time, and, boy, is she growing :)

'Tis the Season

To celebrate 3 months, I first wanted to post some of the holiday photos we've been collecting over the past weeks. She's for sure the best present of the year, and we've had fun posing her as such. We plan to do a 3 month post soon. Enjoy these festive pictures for now, and "Happy Holidays!" We're wishing you a season full of time with those you love, health, and fun.

Papa Rick took some great photos of Ella in her special stocking that Great Grandma Barbi made her.
7 weeks

Ella loves when Grandma wears the reindeer antlers (and makes them jingle).
Thanks for letting us borrow them Gina!

Cutest Christmas Outfit

We had to document Ella's friends that came to see her first visit with Santa:
my godparents/aunt and uncle, grandparents, and mom... pretty special!

Christmas with the Carpenter Cousins!