Chatham girls at the Florence/Busby Christmas 2008 reunion.
Alicey with her beloved Telma (nursery leader) at our ward's Christmas party.
We took Alicey and Olivia to the mall to meet Santa Clause, and like most little kids, Alicey wouldn't look at or speak to him. But in the end she was still pleased because she got a sucker!
Olivia on Santa's lap at the mall.

Christmas Eve 2008 at the Melo family home!

Christmas was WONDERFUL this year! We were blessed with the company of my parents at our home for a week. The Busby's (my dad's cousins) organized a big family reunion which by the way turned out to be FANTASTIC! Well prepared and very nice time spent together. Christmas eve and morning everyone from my family came over (Mom, Dad, Mandy, Trevor, Lindsay, Summer, and us of course). We all opened up presents together, had a nice breakfast- my mom's yummy breakfast casserole- and then went over to Mandy's for the rest of the day.

Alicey was happy after one present and didn't know what to do with all that she ended up getting! And as usual, my mom outdid herself with all that she had prepared for everyone. She now makes 90% of her gifts! And close behind her in thoughtfulness and creativity was Leah, Hank's wife. She made fingerpuppets for Alicey, Olivia, and Calvin, and bound a self-illustrated book of a Marty Florence original story. Amazing art and talent! Leah also went far and beyond this year. And Lindsay, Trevor's wife, surprised me a few days before Christmas with a wreath for my front door she had made herself! She had heard me mention a month ago that I didn't have one and so decided she was remedy my problem! I have VERY thoughtful sisters-in-law!

I personally have enjoyed this past week (after Christmas) for the relaxation it has offered me! I have been able to sleep plenty, eat plenty, and do not much plenty!