Christmas 2011.

Christmas Eve we went caroling for several hours with the Harris’ and Roberts families.  It was pretty chilly outside, so we bundled up Elna well.  She didn’t seem to appreciate it:

Back row: Brian, DeWin, Daren, Chris Roberts, Laurin Roberts, Chris, Missionaries, Allan Roberts, Brandon Roberts

Front row: Lucy, Elna, Heather, Jared, Barbara, Chelsea Roberts, Linda Roberts

Elna woke up around 7 a.m. Christmas morning, so we opened gifts before getting ready for church. 

With our new kicks.  I was very excited to get these boots.  We plan on living in Troutdale for a very long time, so I felt like I deserved them.  Apparently Brian did too.  Yay!

After church we headed to Brian’s parents for round two of Christmas.  We had a great time with family!

Wearing her Santa pajamas that she got from Santa.  Yes, we’re doing Santa at our house.  I’m sure someone will be surprised to hear this from me, but the Harris’ have taught me it’s a good thing to believe in Santa.  I know there’s a chance my kids will have to go to therapy later because they’ll think their parents are liars—we’re taking the risk.

In front of Brian’s Santa gift (which ended up being a ladder, which he was very excited about!)

Elna did a lot of this to her gifts.

Brian reading a new Christmas book to Elna.

Our good friend, Stacy, dropped by to exchange gifts—she gave this Minnie Mouse shirt to Elna.

With Grandma & Grandpa Harris (aka a very generous Santa & Mrs. Claus)

Merry Christmas from the Harris’

& a Happy New Year!

 

Kitchen sink bath.

While I made dinner last night I stuck Elna in the kitchen sink with a little water and baking soda in hopes of healing her diaper rash (thanks for the suggestion Marian!)

playing with her rubber ducky nativity scene (thanks Grandma Elna!)

I know those last two pictures are nearly identical—I just couldn’t decide which one to post so I posted both.  Lucky you.  I love how her eyes are reflecting in the granite.  Those eyes!

This and that.

How I love those blue blue eyes!

Going from her favorite airplane position onto all fours.

The next pictures of Brian and Elna are some of my favorites—they have such a fun time together:

Cutest little Santa baby.

Reading a Christmas book by the fire.  I know you’re supposed to start reading to kids really young, but this girl is not interested at all.  She does, however, love to eat her books.

Only one person in this picture is having a good time.

Ladies in red—Elna and Aunt Heather

This is the face I see most of the day—she is a very happy girl!

O Christmas Tree.

Last year we tried finding a place we could chop our own tree down, but we didn’t find any trees we liked at any of the places we went to and ended up grabbing one from someone who was selling trees in a parking lot just down the street from us.  We were determined to try again this year, so we bundled up and headed out to find a better farm than the ones we went to last year.  We happened upon Taylor’s farm and were very pleased with their trees and their service.  We were surprised we were the only ones there.  I should advertise for them!

We got a new camera and Brian had fun taking a lot of pictures.

I like how Elna is peeking through the trees on this one—nice camera work, Bri!

In front of the tree we picked—not sure if it’s the one on the left or the right.

Brian is such a manly man—he does these kinds of things we such ease—that tree was up on the car in minutes.

The first of many cold and windy tree shopping trips for Elna.

Here’s the tree all decorated—I decided this year to do gold, pink, and teal, but as I’m looking at it now I realize it needs a lot more of something—ribbons?  And a tree skirt!  I’d like to make this one.

I’d also like to make this to add to my Christmas decorations—such a cute stocking advent garland—it would look just perfect across my mantel.  Darling, right?

Four generations.

DeWin’s mom is in town for the next month.  She is delightful.  We have already enjoyed several games of Rook.  I didn’t want to miss an opportunity for a 4 generation picture.

Four generations of Murphy-Harris’—DeWin, Elna, Grandma Harris, Brian

Ward Christmas party.

Grandpa and Elna

Elna with Uncle Chris—Chris was there to sing O’ Holy Night—his voice is amazing!

On Santa’s lap.  I think she was young enough that she didn’t freak out.  We’ll see about next year.