twas a few nights before Christmas...

... and in the Mace house, presents were opened.
We are traveling to Chico for the holiday and a wedding and didn't want to cart them up there, so we opened them early and will put a few to good use on the drive. So here are some pics of our family exchange, untraditional for sure but you do what you can.
Katy wasnt sure what to do, so she tried the most natural, chewing it open.

Kristy and Katy got gifts from some local friends, this was from some friends who went to Hawaii a few weeks ago. When describing it she told Nana, "my flower and necklace, booby thing and skirt that makes noise..." lol. I told her it is a hula outfit, she is glad to be able to pronounce the name.Katy has also recently hit a few new milestones. She claps, while sitting or walking or any other time she feels the need. She also stands up without pulling up on anything. THis pic shows her at the end of a clap.
Here is a shot of me. I got a pair of diamond earings, Brian got a new cell phone.
Kristy got numerous thing, she loved her princess book from Nana and Papa Graff, and her headband and movies from Nana Platt (she will love the tupperware cake set once she sees how it works). She also got a Leapster handheld game unit (should be a lifesaver for the trip tommorrow). Katy got some locks and a few dolls and books. It was great to be together to share the experience of her first Christmas. It was just a few years back that we had Kristys first Christmas while Brian was deployed. This year we have a few friends who are in the midst of a deployment this holiday season. We want them to know we are praying for and thinking of them and have not forgotten about them or what they are experiencing. May you all enjoy the spirit of the holidays and the company of family and friends. Merry Christmas to all of you.