Happy New Year!

Eventhough it is ALMOST a Month into the new year, it's not too late to send this wish until at least the end of January...

I hope you all had a great Christmas and that you enjoyed being together with family and friends. Ours was great. We stayed at home and had a first ever Marshall family only Christmas in Arimo. I think the best part was not having to wake up early, Alexis was the first one out of bed at 8:30, she then got the other two up and all three joined us in our room for Christmas Morning-Mommy-Daddy-Bed-Time. Luckly for me there were not tickle wars this morning and as quickly as Alexis could pull us out of bed we were in the livingroom and all the magic of Christmas greeted us and made everyone smile.

Alexis was overjoyed AND overwhelmed. In her five-year-old mentality she wanted to move from gift to gift as fast as possible and is only now starting to enjoy all of the gifts. It is great to see her move through these developmental stages and I LOVE that now she is so greatful everytime she realizes that something in her day was new at Christmas and she is so quick to say thank you a MILLION times.

McKenzie tried her hardest to keep up with her sister AND keep her brother away from her Christmas stash. It was so cute to hear her say over and over, "No, Elliott". She too LOVED Christmas, but because it went by at a five-year-old pace, she too is just remembering Chirstmas presents, mostly when Alexis points it out and then they are both SOOO greatful. I LOVE IT! McKenzie is in an imitation stage where she wants to be just like her big sister in EVERYTHING. It is great to be reminded how big she really is. It is so great to see the interaction between the two and they have so much fun together, and now with more games and toys in the closet, they have more to share. Lastly for McKenzie, Christmas break kicked off potty training...YES! It took longer for McKenzie to pick up on the concept, but it came and now she is well on her way to having "Potty Power" (as quoted from a movie that has played endlessly in my home). SO, if you call, be prepared for McKenzie to share her accomplishment with you, reguardless of who she thinks is on the phone.

Elliott was a lot more interactive this Christmas than last, but still somewhat reserved, and when it was all over, he was just ready to take a nap. He loved opening presents, and playing with EVERYTHING reguardless of ownership. Big sisters beware, Elliott is getting taller, faster, and stronger!