A Whidbey Island Christmas

Christmas this year was quiet! Chloe enjoyed her presents but at one point decided she'd had enough and didn't want to open any more presents. Just like last year, she had more fun playing with the paper, ribbons, and boxes. 

Both of these pictures are Chloe on Christmas morning.

We spent a lovely Christmas Eve with Susan, Larry, Ben, and Danny. After great success with last month's shrimp stuffed sole, we decided that would be a great Christmas dinner (Stuffing: onions, fennel, celery, shrimp, bread crumbs, pecorino-romano cheese, fresh parsley). Susan made an incredible chocolate cheesecake, too! 

Christmas morning we took our time opening gifts and finally Chloe got tired of it and just wanted to sit and eat Rice Crunchems. Who can blame her? :)

Chloe opening some gifts from Santa:

Chloe loves her new big baby doll from Aunt Sally, Uncle Pat, AJ, and Brandon

Chloe and Paul (and baby doll) had to take a break on Christmas morning after opening some presents.

Finally, we had to take a break from opening presents and eat some breakfast. I made a red and green pepper omelet with breakfast sausages and Panettone! After breakfast we resumed opening presents and stockings. I got a new digital camera and gorilla pod for Christmas! My favorite camera feature is the timer–here's a picture of us using the timer:

Chloe had a great time on Christmas playing with her new toys:

Seriously, what can you say about a gift like this? Looks great, honey.

Topping off the Christmas evening with some bedtime stories:

We think Ella may have the post holiday blues. What do you think?