Merry Christmas (Eve)!

The combination of tiredness and an unreliable wi-fi connection overrode the update of the blog yesterday.  Damon flew in yesterday morning with all of Alexa's presents (he flew Southwest vs. Alexa and I on US Airways - - free luggage), so I had to wait until late last night to wrap all of her gifts.  I threw my normal perfectionism out the window and was just focused on getting paper on each gift, with no regard to appearance.  My how my priorities have changed. :)

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with both the Niehoff and Hoeing sides of the family.  It had been years since we'd visited both sides of the family on Christmas Eve, so it was a nice throwback to a tradition of Christmases past.  The evening began in a perfect manner - a mass said in Grant's honor at my Uncle Paul and and Aunt Midge's house.  The spirit of our little boy is always with us.

The gatherings were exactly what Damon and I needed - great food (including my spectacular 'homemade' dip from Costco) and being surrounded by the love of our extended family.  Alexa was having the time of her life playing with all of her 'new friends' (first cousins once removed), and the excitement of the day kept her up after 10pm.  Today should be interesting.....

Alexa and Simone (my cousin Sara's daughter).
Two peas in a pod.....

Happy to be with Godmother Auntie Karen.

Alexa and Cousin Marie - the blonde crew.