The Best Christmas

This Christmas was one of the best for our family.

We always miss our family that is far away, but every now and then it is great to just focus on your own little family. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with absolutely no one but each other and nowhere to rush off to. It was so relaxing and we had so much fun!

The tree after Santa came about 1:30 am.

Our tree looked a little sad by the end of season. This year I didn't worry about keeping up with everything the little ones took off or put on. It was gorgeous on day one, but not nearly as loved.

Mags with her IPod on Christmas morning.

Chillin' with Dad, a candy cane, and a Lightning McQueen phone.
Cooper loved opening presents! The first present under the tree this year was for Cooper from his sisters. It was wrapped in tissue paper and then put in a cellophane bag. Also in the cellophane bag was candy! Cooper tried to get that candy out of the bag for 3 weeks. When we opened that gift (a baseball mitt & ball) he tossed it aside and started tearing into the candy. We were all laughing. What a cutie!

Mar, also with a candy cane and a phone. I'm assuming she's "calling" Nana. Calling Nana is always at the top of Marlee's list.

Marlee's favorite spot, Dad's lap.

Santa brought Marlee the Tinkerbell movie and Maggie & Cooper got her Fawn (the animal fairy) Barbie doll. I love watching the kids open their presents from each other. The one giving is always so excited to see the receiver's reaction. They just know they've given them the perfect gift.

Cora with her guitar that Mom & Dad have already busted. Oops!

Why is she dressed you ask? After trying to get us to open presents at 2:00 am & again at 4:30, as soon as she heard Cooper wake up at 6:30 she got up, got dressed and said "I'm ready to open presents now."

New jammie pants! She thinks the monkey on a cell phone is pretty cool.

Traditional Gadd family breakfast.

Aebleskivers!

This Christmas morning tradition was one of Grandma Neen's. (Kevin's mom)

This year we had Aeblskivers, a delicious egg casserole, and fruit.

It was so yummy! And the best part was everyone ate so much candy all morning we didn't have breakfast until noon!

Not pictured in this post - Mom!

I'm hoping now that Kevin bought me a new fancy camera he'll feel like taking a few pictures with it. I'm sure everyone is beginning to think the Gadd family consists of 4 children, a single dad, and a live-in picture taker!

Merry Christmas!!!

After sending 50 of these photos to the wrong store (Lindon, UT), I'm resorting to this post.

We hope all of our family and friends around the globe are happy and well.

We are grateful for the part each of you has played in our lives over the years and always look forward to times when our paths cross.

Our family has had an eventful and miraculous year.

Like most families we have stayed busy with school, work, church, sports, and music lessons, taken some exciting trips and weekend excursions.
However, the majority of the excitement & travel revolved around the newest addition to our family. At the beginning of 2010 we decided to adopt Marlee, a beautiful 3 yr. old little girl. The next few months were spent traveling to Arizona for visits as we were preparing for and anticipating bringing her home.

We were able to bring Marlee to Missouri in April. Although there were obvious adjustments to make Marlee fit right into our family dynamics. Maggie, Cora & Cooper were thrilled to have another sister and we all wonder what life was like without Marlee in it.

The adoption was finalized on November 4th. One month later we traveled to Rochester, NY and were sealed as an eternal family in the Palmyra, NY temple.

Needless to say, as our numbers increase so does the craziness, but our joy increases even more! What a wonderful blessing this entire experience has been for each member of our family.

Merry Christmas!

We love you!

The Gadd Family

Kevin, Molly, Maggie (9), Cora (7), Marlee (3), & Cooper (1)

p.s. if you would like a physical picture, please ask.

I am more then happy to order more (at the correct store) and send one to you.