{the hernandez four}: Kurek Christmas 2009

Since we're going to be in Florida for Christmas this year (yea!!!), we invited the Kurek side over this evening to celebrate. Wow, what an evening--Lola didn't know what to do with herself, having all these people over at once. She was running circles around our place with sheer excitement. It was so fun to watch.

We munched on lots of delicious food and then opened gifts. There's something about having a new child in the family that adds a whole new dimension to Christmas. Leah commented how excited we were last Christmas because Lola was starting to roll over. Now, she's laughing, talking and really enjoying all the incredible gifts everyone has given to her. We're so glad we could all be together to celebrate this special moment of the year

The kitchen should be the biggest room in the house (and we're thankful ours is spacious!) because everyone always ends up gathering there--

--but thankfully, some of our guests found their way into the living room.

Uncle Timmy & Nikki with Lola.

Do we look like brother & sister?

Papa & Lucy.

The newly engaged.

She's so excited to open gifts, she's decided to stand on them!

SO EXCITED about the Melissa & Doug Alphabet puzzle from Auntie Karen & Uncle Dave. She's already trying to master it. This baby loves her puzzles!

She loves her clothes, too. And we can ALWAYS count on Auntie Cheryl, Uncle Ken, Jess & Kylie to get her an adorable outfit from Gymboree. Super cute shirt that says "Girls Rock" on a drum set (to represent Ronnie) with an adorable jean skirt and super cute star tights (that TiTi's going to want to borrow.)

Exactly what Mommy wanted--a Little Tikes bench for the kitchen. This one is so perfect because she can sit and eat and play at it in the kitchen--and it also turns into an easel which will be perfect for all the art supplies Ellyana gave her.

Is there anymore?

Had to add this one--baby girl's hair is FINALLY growing. How beautiful and shinny is it?!

And finally--the Pièce de résistance--my Mom mentioned to Sue that I wanted a rocking horse for Lola. I never imagined a rocking horse as magnificent as this. Papa & Grandma Sue gave Lola an hand-crafted Amish rocking horse that Lola's grandchildren will be able to rock with. And the thought of that gives me chills.

She loves it and will be able to rock on it for years!

Auntie Karen & Uncle Dave with their Melaleuca candle.

Me and my cousin Leah--when I think of all the Christmases we've shared--and all the Christmas "shows" we'd force our family to sit through!

Kylie watching Papa help Lola rock.

Look at that face!

We gave Sue a beautiful black & white framed photo that I took of her and Lola on the boat this summer--Dad and her need some new decor for their beautiful new "cottage".

And then we gave Dad one, in the same style frame. It's SO hard to buy for my Dad. What do you get the guy who has everything and wants nothing?! Without intending to, I took a picture of him and Lola on the boat this summer in the EXACT pose that a picture of he and I was taken 25 years ago...

...and this is what it looked like.

Needless to say, they LOVED their gifts and that meant so much to us. I couldn't wait to give it to him. I have the fondest memories of summers on the lake, and Lola is going to get the same experience.