Claire's First Christmas - Part 3

Our trip to Tulsa for Claire's first Christmas began with an overnight stay at my cousins' house in Dallas - halfway to Tulsa. We had a great time, Jon, Becky and Evan! You are excellent hosts! Thanks for having us!

Aunt Cheryl and Cousin Keaton came over for Sunday brunch. It was so much fun getting to introduce everyone to Claire.

Cousin Becky, Aunt Cheryl, Claire and Mommy Showing off Peggy Sue to Aunt Cheryl

Due to Steve's work schedule and Uncle Matt and Aunt Randi's schedule, we celebrated Christmas on Monday, December 21st. We had a great time!!!

Claire with some of her presents Analise and Claire ready to open presents. Let the madness begin!

Claire believes in the "slow and easy" approach - one little piece of paper at a time.

One of Analise's favorite gifts - a Cinderella ball gown, complete with crown, beads, bracelets...

and, of course, "glass" slippers!

Poor Maggie! As soon as all of the presents had been passed out, she hid under the tree for the remainder of the day.

Our first Christmas as a family of three - How sweet it is!

One of Claire's favorite gifts was a giant Minnie Mouse. She has a small one that she takes with her everywhere. So when she saw the big Minnie, Claire knew who she was immediately! Too cute!

On Tuesday, December 22nd, MiMi had to work. So Mommy, Daddy, Claire, Uncle Matt and Aunt Randi headed out to find Santa Claus.

Waiting in line to meet Santa...

In the big guy's arms at last!

Walking back to the car after meeting Santa, Claire kept hiding her eyes under her hat. We don't know why she did it, but we found it funny and took her picture.

Early Wednesday morning, December 23rd, Steve had to fly out to go back to work. He was supposed to fly back in on the evening flight on Christmas Eve. But on Christmas Eve, the infamous Oklahoma Snow Blizzard of 2009 hit. We were snowed in, and he was snowed out. The Tulsa Airport shut down, and he couldn't get back.

Here are some pics of the snow from my parents' back patio.

Christmas Morning - Claire playing with her new laptop. She loves it!

Having breakfast with MiMi

Apple Strawberry Banana = yummy!

The Tulsa Airport finally opened back up on Saturday! Steve flew in early Saturday afternoon, and we drove the eight hours back home, arriving just before midnight.

Playing with Aunt Randi Saturday morning

Breakfast with Aunt Randi

We had a wonderful Christmas! Christmas with Claire was truly magical! I know that it will be even more so in the years to come.

Claire turned seven-months-old last Tuesday. I will do her monthly update next week. She has a doctor's appointment on Monday to complete this round of vaccinations. (They split it up this time since they gave her a flu shot and the H1N1 last month.)

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!