Christmas and More!

We had a fantastic Christmas break!  It was a little different this year though for more than one reason.  Karl and I are accustomed to having 2 weeks of a break from work....well, unfortunately my job doesn't let me have vacation days, and Karl's job at the moment doesn't give him that much time off (or at least he chooses not to take it).  However, it was fun to be with my parents, and brother Tim to have lots of help and fun family time over the holidays.  On another note, our holiday was different this year because we have a daughter!  It was SO FUN to get to start our own traditions with our baby girl, and it was fun to see her reactions to all of the new activities we did.  We are looking forward to the years to come, and are so blessed for this past year!  2011 was pretty amazing, but we're thinking that 2012 is going to be even better!  Thanks Brinley for making our lives so sweet!  Below are pictures from Christmas, New Year's Day, my birthday, and some cute photos of Brinley.  Lately we've been taking lots of videos instead of pictures--one of these days we'll have to post some of those!

Making gingerbread cookies with the family!

Christmas Eve!

When we got home from church

Reading The Night Before Christmas

Christmas Morning

Taking a walk on Christmas Day!

Our little toddler!

Opening her stocking!

So happy, as usual!

Brinley loves her new Christmas presents!  She is making a "woof"
face in this picture (that is the face and noise she makes when she sees
or hears a doggy)....and at my parents' house, she sees and hears them a lot!

Trying on her birthday dress!  Just 13 days to go!

Pig tails!

New Year's Day....Having a snack and playing with tupperware while Mommy slept in--thanks Daddy!

Giving mommy hugs on my birthday :)

28 candles!

Brinley went to her first birthday party today (I realize that depending how you read that statement, it could mean that she had her own party already.  What I mean is that she went to a friend's party.  Her friend was turning one, and this was the first official party that Brinley has been able to attend in her life....this was not "her" birthday party picture).--she
was excited to get dressed up and celebrate with a friend!