After Christmas in New York (during Thanksgiving,) and Avery getting her big gifts from Santa/Momma and Daddy early, we headed to Virginia for the Christmas holiday (in our new minivan.)

We left after Joel got home from work so Avery could sleep on the way up. Avery loved watching her new Diego video before "bedtime," and so did I. This was my first time riding in the back and oh was the space delicious!!

When we arrived we briefly greeted Papa and Grand-mom and all headed to bed. The next day we spend with Papa as Grand-mom had some work and shopping to do, but the rest of the trip was spent with Papa, Grand-mom, and cousin Andy.

Joel, Avery, and I also agreed to visit Luna, our former resident. Visit our post: Luna Gets a New Home in case you missed it. Avery was excited to see, "Kitty, kitty," and even got close enough to pet her quickly and then run away.

After some yummy pizza and great family time we all settled in for a sweet Christmas Eve sleep. Avery woke up early so I put her in bed with us and it was so nice to wake up and say Merry Christmas to my beautiful family.

Avery ran around in her jammies and while the adults were eating breakfast (an hour or so after Avery had munched,) she stumbled upon one of her unwrapped gifts. It was love at first sight and she started pushing her baby stroller all over the house. We got a small peek into what opening presents would be like this year.

We let Avery start opening her presents while we all watched the paper being meticulously ripped off her new toys, and the joy on her face as she realized what the paper was covering. Avery loved every gift, but espeically her baby stroller (already mentioned), baby doll, Dora everything, espeically her Dora motorcycle that Papa did a wonderful job building.

Here are some fun pics:

After little one was lost amongst the paper, and toys and engaged in riding around the house and taking her baby on a walk, we all opened our gifts. We were very blessed this year to have wonderful family, a warm beautiful home to celebrate in, and some thoughtful presents.

The day after Christmas Avery and I got the opportunity to have a girls lunch with some of my old coworkers and their daughters too. We had a wonderful lunch at Bertucci's, great conversation, and got to catch up and see how all of the children had grown. I definitely miss Ina, Kristy and Heather and their sweet kids too.

Of course when we returned home Avery got to play tons with her toys, Papa, and Grand-mom. Joel's childhood friend, Mike stopped by for a brief, "Hello". We also, checked on Luna and that night I got to watch Dark Knight for the first time. Definitely one to see if you haven't seen it already.

It was a great visit and a wonderful time spent with Joel's side of the family. Luckily we were blessed with safe travel and a DVD player in the car, to keep Avery busy. And are excited for many holidays to come.