We had our 1st Christmas as a Forever Family and it was more than we could have ever imagined! We began our Christmas Season with the annual "Party at the Peaks" at Colleen and Jody's on the 19th. Emma enjoyed playing with everyone, dancing and opening a few presents.

We began our Christmas Eve at church and Grandma and Grandpa Meythaler joined us. Emma loved all the music and clapped right along with everyone.

We then went to Auntie Terri and Uncle Keith's house. Their entire neighborhood goes all out for Christmas Eve with lumineres, hay rides and Santa on a decked out Rhino! Emma loved waving to everyone on the hay ride.

Auntie Terri, Uncle Keith, Clayton and Sterling gave Emma her first doll. The doll cries, breathes, and seems quite real; Emma wasn't sure about it, but is beginning to enjoy the doll much more.

After Auntie Terri's we were off to Denise's mom's house for some more family fun. Emma saw more cousins and even 2nd cousins. She played with Grandma and Grandpa Throw, Aunt Pat and Aunt Kathy and of course Auntie Colleen, Uncle Jody and AJ.

Later that night, Emma went to sleep and mommy & daddy began putting the kitchen together- probably should have at least looked at it before Christmas Eve, but Emma only woke up once during all the drilling :o)

Christmas morning was absolute joy! Emma didn't know what to make of it, but soon warmed up to the idea that the kitchen, bike (Pappa Jitter's doing!), chair and all the other items under the Christmas Tree were for her. It was a fun and an exciting time and many memories were created. Tears of joy flowed from Mommy's eyes as I couldn't believe our daughter was finally here with us at Christmas.

Christmas dinner was at our house. Our home was filled with so much love that at times we just couldn't believe how this little angel, our Emma Bear sent to us by God, has truly blessed so many lives.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Emma's first Christmas a special one.

Love to all and we hope you had a very blessed Christmas,

Brian & Denise