The Eoff's: Alayna's first Christmas

I know I am a few weeks behind. I was going to add this to Alayna's 10 month update, but I thought that post might get a bit too long, so here you go.

We arrived in Milwaukee on Dec. 18th because Alayna was to be baptized on the 19th. The night of the 18th we got together with our family to see the Miller/Coors Brewery Holiday Lights. To say it was cold is a BIG understatement. I think by the time we headed out to see the lights it was around 8 degrees. Alayna held up like a champ, even though it was cold and she was hungry and beyond over tired. She loved the lights going along to music and once we got done and headed to dinner she was out for the night and slept all through dinner at Matty's Bar and Grill.

On Sunday we had Alayna's baptism and a party at my parent's house afterward. Alayna was great during her baptism. She was very vocal and active and didn't cry once. The party was a lot of fun. Family and friends all came out to celebrate with Alayna and she got some very wonderful presents.

Monday Derek, Alayna and I met his parents at Rock Bottom Brewery for lunch and then headed to the Harley Museum, where my parents met us. We then all had dinner at my parents house and said good bye to Derek's parents at the end of the night since they were heading back to WA in the morning.

Tuesday was a lazy day. We relaxed and rested after the busy weekend and then Derek stayed home with Alayna that night and I went and had dinner with Trish, Sarah and Alexis at Sarah's new house in Oak Creek. It was so great hanging out and catching up but it went way too fast!

Wednesday was more of the same during the day and Wednesday night I went to Julia's house to get together with Julia, Kristi, my sister and Katie (who drove up from Elgin, IL to hang out...thanks Katie!!). Again it was so great to see my girlfriends but went way too fast. A few hours every 6 months is not enough time to hang out. I miss them so much!!

On Thursday, Derek, Alayna and I drove down to Grayslake, IL to have dinner with Ronnie, Jenn and their new baby boy Landon. Ronnie's (Derek's best man and Alayna's Godfather) parents were also in town for the holiday so it was great to see them and have dinner together. Also, Derek's great friend Jason was in the states from his job in Singapore, so he came over for dinner also. It was a fun night, just catching up and watching Alayna and Landon play and thinking how maybe one day they will go on a date. :-) We headed back home around 9pm after dropping Jason off at the train station to catch the train back to downtown Chicago.

Friday was Christmas Eve and we did our usual family tradition. We went to church in the early evening and then went by my grandfather's house. Alayna got her first Christmas present of the holiday from her Great Baba (my grandfather) and Great Aunt Cyndi and Great Uncle Al and cousins. It was a drum toy that plays music and she can pound on it all she wants (maybe instead of my table). After presents were opened we headed over to my Great Uncle Len's house for a late dinner and to see my extended family on my mom's side. Everyone was so excited to see Alayna and watch her exploreall the treats and Christmas decorations.

Christmas Day started out really nice. My dad dressed up as Santa and came down to deliver presents. Alayna seemed to not mind him much, though I think she may have known it was Grandpa under there. Here is a video of Alayna with Santa:

After presents were opened, we sat down for breakfast. We all had colored bread french toast, cinnamon rolls and sausage. Alayna had pears and pineapples fruit mix by Gerber. :-) After playing with some new toys Alayna needed a nap and finally fell asleep and had a great nap. When she finally woke up it was time to get ready and go over to my Aunt Mary's house (on my dad's side) for Christmas dinner. The get together was great. Great food and it was so fun hanging out with my family. We watched Christmas Vacation, ate a wonderful steak dinner and Alayna got to open more presents. She got more toys and some really cute clothes. She sure is one spoiled little girl. After dinner Alayna got her jammies on and finally fell asleep (she always thinks she is going to miss something!). Once she was asleep, Derek and I with my siblings and cousins sat down and played the Game of Things. It was pretty hilarious and a great time. It was such a great night and a reminder of how great my family is.

Sunday was spent relaxing. Trish and her husband Erich stopped over with their little girl Baiya. She was born in August and is getting so big already. It is so weird to think just 5 months ago that was Alayna.

All in all it was a wonderful 9 days spent with family and friends. It was the right amount of busy and relaxing. Though, with every time we leave, it is bittersweet. Always great to see everyone, but sad to leave again. Alayna was so great the entire trip. She slept pretty well and loved all the attention and having Nana and Grandpa spoil her all week. She had fun playing with everyone and showing off her new skills. It is crazy to think the next time we are there she will be walking and hopefully saying her first words. She is growing up too fast! Here are some pictures from Christmas vacation.