Christmas 2011

The pictures below are in no particular order, but I hope you enjoy them the same :)

Although Christmas was sandwiched with Kelly being involved in what he called the on duty fight of his life just a few days before the 25th, complete with a trip to the hospital (thankfully just a busted open knuckle and sprained ankle, the 'other guy' went to Harborview), and sandwiched on the other side with a double ear infection for Georgiana and just wrapped up the nasty flu for Kelly (seriously, the definition of nasty, like we had to hire professional cleaners to attack the stench that was left behind), it really was the best Christmas I've (we've) ever had!

There is something so exciting about watching Georgiana oooh and aww, giggle, learn to unwrap, get distracted, say "appy Gigi" Happy Birthday Jesus, and attempt to say Merry Christmas. Something about reading her the Christmas story, singing carols and going hunting for Christmas lights, that makes even the best Christmases of my childhood not compare to the wonderment I got to see in her eyes. Wowza, what a blessing to be her mommy!!

Christmas day itself was totally busy, totally crazy, and totally fun and joyful!

Christmas Day is definitely a marathon. It of course begins with going to bed much later (for Georgiana) than normal, and once she awakes we hit the ground running...

We did learn, food is very very important. Mommy and Daddy were so excited for Georgiana to open her presents, that we may have forgot to provide her with some sustenance first. Not even a sippy of milk! Thankfully, she is a mighty fine communicator and let us know she would appreciate some fuel to start her day. The sippy got her through her stocking and a few toys, then we took a break and fed her some blueberries and an assortment of ingredients that were in the quiche I was making for breakfast.

The 2011 breakfast menu was a hit, and will more than likely be making another appearance this year:

Kea's Quiche

Legendary Doughnut Balls

(I learned from 2010, request the Oprah doughnuts, maple with bacon, to be placed in a separate box, otherwise your other doughnuts pick up a little bacony flavor)

Satsumas

Orange Juice

Coffee

While breakfast baked, we opened some more presents and got ready for the day.

Next up, Grandma and Papa (my grandparents) arrived for breakfast!

We nibbled and visited and then it was off to Kelly's parents for more feasting and gifting.

After that we shipped out to my grandparents for a big ol' turkey dinner and yet more exchanging and laughing.

Yes, yes it is a very long day. But, we really enjoy it! Last year one of my cousin's mentioned that she embraced the running around, go go, because any other day of the year you can lay around and be cozy at home, so why not go for the gusto on Christmas!?!

Plus, what would I cut out? Exactly.

Georgiana was a champ in spite of minimal sleep and maximum sugar. We stayed in our pjs until after nap time on the 26th. We played with all of her new toys, finished unwrapping a few gifts (in addition to the importance of food, we also learned two new words 'over buying,' oops!) took out our fire hazard of a Christmas tree and relaxed as a family. With Christmas Adam (the 23rd), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the newly designated go no where be lazy stay at home and relax 26th, the Smith's now nearly have a 4 day holiday! Happy Birthday Jesus!

My Grandma, Ryder & Georgiana
& Mr. Taye

Kelly and his brother Cory with their girls. Macy or "Mamy" as Georgiana calls her.

Georgie girl, pretty excited about her new pots and cookie cutters to go with her kitchen and dining set!

Grandpa (Kelly's dad) and Georgiana, cousin Keiton in the background.

Georgie's 2nd breakfast at home.

Grandma & Papa

Me, making breakfast. It really wasn't as messy as it appears, it was actually super easy!

Georgie's 1st breakfast, there's our happy girl!

I just love her little facial expression!! And her hair, love me some Georgie girl morning hair :)

Kelly teaching our one year old proper form...

Only one more quick Christmas craft post and I am all caught up and ready to blog about 2012...

Kea's Quiche:

2 C broccoli or cauliflower (I used frozen broccoli)

1/3 C onion

1/3 C bell pepper

1 C shredded cheddar cheese (plus a little more for the top)

1/2 C bisquick (I forgot to buy some, so I googled it and it was SUPER easy to make)

1 C milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 Lg eggs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 9" pie plate with Pam. In Saucepan heat 1" water to boiling, add broccoli, cover and heat to boiling. Cook approx 5 mins or until almost tender and drain. In pie plate mix broccoli, onion, bell pepper and cheese. In a medium bowl, stir together remaining ingredients until blended. Pour into pie plate.

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand before cutting and serving. Enjoy!