The Calm After the Storm

What a week. I saved all my Christmas shopping for the last week before Christmas, and I can honestly say that it had its ups and downs. I always say it's a benefit to wait for the last minute in the sense that one might work better under pressure (true in my case), but I definitely shopped for five whole days (or at least it seemed that way) and it was so tiring. Now that everything is over we've been trying to clean up as much as possible. I think a trip to Ikea is in order. We need new storage systems to organize all the loot BB got!
I was really happy with our tree. It was our first tree as adults and as a family and I think it looked beautiful. Execpt for the Baby's 1st Christmas ornament, I made all the decorations by hand. I displayed all our Christmas cards on the wall behind by attaching them to rope made of yarn and I'm only sorry I didn't think of it sooner. It makes me sad to think we have to take this all down in a week.
I made all the tags on the presents by hand since I had some leftover cardstock from the paper globes I made. The ones in the pictures aren't the best ones. I went all out on some and they made all the difference.
My Uncle Edison had a Christmas party at his home last Tuesday, so Dave, BB and I trekked down to Western Mass to see everyone and exchange gifts. The adults did a Yankee Swap and I copped myself a $100 gift certificate to Ochoa's. Maybe I should get a manicure this weekend before my birthday. Since we couldn't afford to buy gifts for ever single one of my cousins, I baked almost 100 chocolate chip cookies and attached, yes, you guessed, little paper globes to each package. They're all such sweet kids. They were very appreciative.
While Dave's sister Wanda (pictured below) and I shopped til we dropped, we stopped to take BB to see Santa Claus. We were second in line, thank goodness. As I gave BB to St. Nick, she gave me a look that said, "WHERE ARE YOU GOING?! WHO IS THIS MAN?! DON'T LEAVE ME!!!" She looked from me to the whole line of people who were waiting in line and watching. She didn't cry, but she looks so stiff in the official picture (the one below was taken with my camera). They used a cowbell to try to get her attention. I thought it was hilarious and I love the picture.
I have so many pictures from Christmas Day and a lot to speak of, but I'll just cut it down and maybe I'll get into some details if I get around to posting in the remainder of this week. We opened presents in the morning with Dave's mom and sisters, traveled to my mom's after, and finally made a stop at my dad's for dinner.

Eric Carle animal flash cards since, according to Dave, BB needs to train for Mensa status.She liked this a lot (I chose it, of course). It's so cute. Amongst other things, it shouts, "Hug me!"

My brother being silly with the stockings...

The customary framed photo of BB for my mom. Can't go wrong with something like that.

Dave unwrapping Fort Knox. Why are kids toys always plastered and wired to the packaging?

BB with Uncle Matt.

So as you've probably noticed, I'm kind of tired of writing...not that I really wrote much. I'll write more later. Until then, I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! I'm gonna go RELAX.