After spending several days in Annapolis, MD with the Plaxico clan, we drove east to Lewes, DE to celebrate Christmas with all of the Wrights.  Some of you may remember that besides being Mike’s hometown, Lewes is also the location where we became a Mr. and Mrs.

As with the Plaxicos, it was a very special gathering as all 13 of us (plus another one on the way for Paul and Courtney…wahoo!) were able to be together for the holiday.  Thirteen people sounds like a lot for one house, but thanks to the wonderful hosting by Grammie (Paula) and Grandpop (Rusty), we were all very comfortable…and well fed. 🙂

The Little Miss was a bit overwhelmed at first with all of the new faces and excitement.  But with a few extra naps and some snuggles from Mommy and Daddy, she got her groove back and spent the visit happily playing with her cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

(Annabelle: "No, no, Aunt Laura, you're supposed to eat the game pieces")

(Annabelle: "Ah, Luke, aren't you a cutie?!")

All of the snow that had fallen provided us with some extra fun and excitement, particularly when Grandpop brought out his Jeep and pulled each of us down the road on a sled (“us” meaning the adults….don’t worry, you don’t need to call social services on me).

And the highlight for the Little Lady?  Discovering that her reindeer slippers light up and make music!  Revelation!!!

It was a great holiday, and we are so glad to have been able to spend Annabelle’s first Christmas with her fan club.  Err…I mean relatives.  So with that, we wish you all (again) a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Why hello there, folks.  Annabelle Jane here.

So Daddy has been on my case to give you an update on my little duel with Santa Claus.  As you know, I pulled out all the stops to catch him and get my hands on his big red bag of presents.  But alas, despite all of my very best plans and schemes, he eluded me.

But do I feel defeated?  Deflated?  Dejected?  Depressed?  Or any other word that starts with “D”?!?!?  NO!!!!

Why, you ask?  Because even though I never actually saw Santa and his goodie-toting-reindeer, I’m pretty sure that I received almost all of the gifts he was carrying!

Yeah, what with all of the loot and lovin’ I’ve been lavished with over the past few weeks, I’m a pretty happy camper.  It’s been a good holiday.

And for all of you thrill seekers out there, don’t lose heart.  Being a very determined Little Lady, I am already starting to make plans to catch Santa in the act next Christmas.

And this time I think I’ll set some traps…

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We just returned from a whirlwind holiday trip to visit both families, and are so glad to have had the chance to celebrate Annabelle’s first Christmas with all of her relatives.  Who needs two sets of arms to hold you when you can have 18 at your beck and call?!?!

The trip began with a visit to the new Plaxico Pad on the shores of Annapolis, MD.  Though the weather was COLD (too cold for California pansies like me), the festivities were delightful!  We celebrated Christmas day with Nena (Grandma Nancy), Pops (Grandpa Bob), and Uncle Will.

We also had a special visit from Annabelle’s Great Aunt Betty and Great Uncle Jeff!

(just pretend Jeff is in the photo 🙂 )

And then the following day, our ranks grew with the arrival of Aunt Ashley, Uncle Joe, and cousins Haley, Emily and Caleb (plus another little boy on the way for Ashley and Joe in February…YAY!!!).  It was so much fun having everyone under the same roof, as we had not all been together since Mike and I got hitched!

(A photo of the whole gang, minus Will who was catching a flight…classic!)

Haley and Emily ADORED their new Little Cousin…and the feeling was mutual!  They, along with Caleb, spent the next few days cuddling with Annabelle and showing her how to play with all of her new toys.

We had such a great time celebrating the holiday together.  And we’re so thankful for our loving family and sweet Little Christmas Present!

After the Plaxico Bash, we re-packed the car (that was now full to the brim with Christmas goodies for the Little Princess) and headed off for more festivities at the Wright Homestead in Lewes, DE.

Stay tuned for Christmas Part II!