Moving out of Virginia Beach took longer than expected for our movers and packers. Sadly, we only had about three days in Northern Virginia with both of our families during the Christmas week but we sure did make the best of them.
Hanging out at the Hansons
We got to see Poppy, Sandy, Valerie (Sandy's daughter) and a rare sighting of all the Hanson boys plus cousin Daniel one afternoon in McLean. As usual, it was a great time of tom foolery, this time with Pots and Pans in addition to the usual instruments.
Poppy inventing games to play with the girls
Any house hold item that can make loud noises is approved of by the Valdez girls
Scott cracking Ellie up by joining in the fun
Brian is always a great sport!
The Valdez Family threw 2 big holiday bashes this year for Candace's graduation from Virginia Tech and for Christmas Eve. Also, we must include how proud we are of Candace for graduating with honors from Virginia Tech in Business. She is now attending a masters program at George Mason. Way to go Candace! Christmas Eve, the Valdezes had Jess' parents and Mom and Bob over for dinner. On Christmas night, mom hosted dinner at her house for the Valdez family. It was great spending our little time there with both families.
Ellie stole Aunt Jess' boots!
Ava monitoring the dessert table
The babes love their aunts!
This is the Christmas present we got Mom and Bob for their lake house in Georgia.
The chefs who worked so hard on the Christmas Eve dinner.
Kids table
packed house!
GrandBob sneaking off into the other room to play with Ellie
The Mayhews plus Justin and Jess. Ellie wouldn't let Aunt Jess take a picture without her
Christmas Eve family picture. The girls were OVER pictures by the time it was time to take one with their parents
On their way to church
The ladies at Christmas Eve candle light service at St Paul UMC
Santa was busy setting up toys late into the night
running down the stairs
AHHHH so excited! This was the first year Ellie really got Christmas
Her treasured Minnie Mouse
Fancy new princess wand
Ellie got big girl luggage and dragged it around with her all Christmas day
Dress ups!
Playing Princesses
Uncle Eric is great at playing Princesses
New princess castle
Eric "rolling in the $$$" from his parents
Ellie's favorite book is Brown Bear so Teeny Babe got her "Baby Bear"
Justin just thrilled with his gag gift from Eric
Merry Christmas Valdez Ladies!
We found a Pepe doll for Daddy. This is his all time favorite muppet
Love their umbrellas from Aunt Jess and Uncle Justin
Sophisticated little 2 year old
Had a great time spending Christmas with GiGi and Uncle Jon
The best Christmas present this year by far was spending it with both sides of our family. They were so accommodating to our crazy schedule and us living out of our van. We are thankful that skype and frequent flyer miles will make this cross country separation from our family much more bearable. We truly were blessed in 2011 and in Virginia Beach.
