Christmas 2009 Highlights

The last few days are kind of a blur. But, it was a fun blur. :) Bryan and I are blessed with families that celebrate Christmas very well, and I'm excited for Elise to grow up in that Christmas spirit every year. Here are a few (okay, many) highlights of our Christmastime 2009:

Christmas Eve morning at my parents' house

My parents and their grand kids: Ella, Noah, Elise, and Felmata. This was Felmata's first Christmas in the Hoekstra family!

I received beautiful jewelry made by my brother-in-law, Paul

Bryan made my sister, Abby, beaded serving utensils

I made a platter for my mom's famous "big plate" Sunday lunch



My mom made Bryan this amazing quilt.


Elise, a little worn out by all the excitement, enjoyed her Christmas eve dinner at
Burger King on our way to Ft Wayne.



Elise with her grandma on Christmas Day

This is Marylyn Cecilia, Elise's cabbage patch kid who was adopted into our family thanks to grandma and grandpa Linn. Elise loves her already!

As tradition, we donned our Santa hats to go caroling in Bryan's mom and dad's neighborhood Christmas night. I look forward to this all year!

The weekend ended with a colts game for Bryan and his dad. Unfortunately, they witnessed the colt's first loss of the season, but had a great time at the Lucas Oil Stadium.