Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It's been quite a busy week and a half in our lives, and I finally have some down time to write about our wonderful experience.

On Christmas eve, Barbara's dad drove down from Murfreesboro and spent the night with us. Barbara's mom also came over as did Barbara's cousin Beth and her family. We had a dinner of appetizers and had such a wonderful time visiting. Maggie was so excited during this whole time and really seemed to enjoy these times.

Before Maggie went to bed on Christmas eve, we made sure to put some reindeer food in our yard so that Santa Claus wouldn't miss us. We set out an abundant amount of christmas cookies for Santa along with a big glass of strawberry milk (Maggie's favorite). Maggie fell asleep quickly after our company left, and we followed shortly after. Santa had ample time to visit our house, and boy did he visit.

Maggie woke up at her normal 7ish on Christmas morning and was so excited to see what Santa may have brought her. We went down the stairs in a hurry, and to Maggie's amazement, in plain view were her kitchen, mickey mouse clubhouse, a mickey mouse tent, and a mini indoor trampoline! Maggie was speechless and overwhelmed for several minutes, and it was so touching to see her sweet face react to what she saw. The moment lasted just long enough before she was playing, smiling, laughing, and really enjoying herself.

A short time later, Barbara's mother arrived, at which time Maggie was able to open her presents from Mommy and Daddy and everyone else. She got alot of fun things, and had a great time opening presents. She had to assist each and everyone of us with our opening as well.

My mom came by a short time later that morning and we had a wonderful Christmas meal and visit. My mother spent the night with us and had lunch with us on Friday.

On Sunday, Barbara, Maggie and myself, along with Barbara's mom and aunt drove to Baltimore, MD to visit Barbara's brother and his three daughters. We had a great time, although it was a short visit. Maggie really enjoyed playing with her cousins, and didn't want to leave. We spent Monday at a local mall with lunch at the Rainforest Cafe, and we went to Washington D.C. on Wednesday for a visit to our Capitol. On Wednesday, we hung around all day and enjoyed a fabulous meal prepared by her brother, and rang in the new year unspectacularly (Maggie was asleep by 10, and I followed soon thereafter). Barbara was the only one of us to watch the ball drop. We left her brother's at about 8 AM on New Year's day and spent our day traveling. Maggie was such a good girl in the car. She slept a little, watched a few dvd's, and not once complained. She amazes us more every day. Today we were able to unwind and relax, while putting away our Christmas tree and decorations. Maggie wasn't happy that Christmas has ended, and still goes around saying "Ho! Ho! Ho!. Maggie fell asleep at 7 AM tonight, so the trip did tire all of us.

2008 was amazing in the Haimelin household, and 2009 will be great as well. We wish everyone happiness for the New Year and look forward to spending more valuable time with our family and friends.