Saturday, December 31, 2011

a merry little Christmas


We had ourselves a merry little Christmas!  I took way too many pictures (if there is such a thing), but I will blame it on Scott without hesitation.  He bought me a new lens for my camera.  Let me explain...  I already needed to enroll in a photography class to learn how to use the camera and original lens.  Now, I have absolutely no idea what I am doing.  Therefore, one of my many new year's resolutions is to learn a little more about photography.  



Our Tennessee Christmas was extra special this year.  Granmom (my dad's mother) turned 80 years old on Christmas Day.  We enjoyed celebrating her birthday at Christmas.


Anna Scott loved her sweet elephant named Ollie that my cousin Beth's family gave to her.  Ollie has quickly become a favorite at our house.  Not only is she fun to play with and oh so cute, but she smells just like a newborn nursery!


On Christmas Eve, we gathered at Scott's grandmother (Nana's) house for the Mann family Christmas.  I love this sweet picture of Nana and Anna Scott.  




I couldn't wait to introduce Anna Scott to her first candy cane.  However, it didn't occur to me how messy this would be.  After a few minutes with the candy cane, I was thankful we had packed a change of clothes!




Anna Scott was too young to experience the true joy of Christmas, but she loved the Christmas lights.  We bundled her up, took her to the park, and she had a ball.



Later on Christmas Eve, Anna Scott opened her gifts from Scott's parents.



With her new bunting and UGGs she is ready for our trip to Park City, Utah in a couple of weeks!  :)


One of our favorite gifts were these matching pajamas that Scott's mother made for us.


On Christmas Eve, we left Santa some cookies and Rudolph a carrot, as promised.  Santa also had his choice of milk or coffee, complete with cream and sugar. 



We awoke Christmas morning to find that Santa Claus had eaten all of his cookies and left behind some presents...









Anna Scott loved opening her gifts.  She would smile and squeal with anticipation while opening, then hold the gift in the air for everyone to see, like a pro.  :)  I know Christmas will only be more and more fun as the years go by, and I can hardly wait. 

After opening the gifts from Santa, we had a brunch at my parents' house.  Mom got to use the Christmas china we gave her last year.  Even Anna Scott had a plate of her own.  :)  











Later that evening, we opened gifts with my family...








Anna Scott loved her gifts from her cousins Jalon, Chandler, and Jacob!





She also loved her first Lee Middleton baby doll from GG (my grandmother).




After all of the gifts had been opened, it was time to play...




and we have been playing ever since.

I am so thankful for 2011 and look forward to 2012.
  
Happy New Year!!!