The Merrills: Christmas & 2011 Recap

Christmas was wonderful. Between the holiday party at the Broussards, (check out Dallas' post about it, it was truly a great time! And there are some fun pics!) and my family coming in--it was a blast. I just hate it went by so quickly.

Addie wound up getting strep throat AGAIN during Christmas. So I was busy trying to deal with her and her fever/crankiness; we had a blast regardless. From our first annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party (that Colin won!!) to our fun gag gift/secret santa exchange, we somehow kept ourselves so busy on Christmas eve that we wound up not eating dinner until almost 9:00 pm!!

Anyway, you will see most of our Xmas fun in the pics, but I want to recap 2011.

2011, a year in review...

Started off the year pregnant.
Got into a fight with a Jaguar dealership.
Flew to Mississippi for a baby shower.
Had my best friends visit me in Dallas for a fun girl's weekend before Addie's arrival.
Was one of the few women who actually had her water break before going to the hospital. It is not nearly as exciting as the movies makes it seem. Honestly, it was more akin to thinking you just peed your pants.
Gave birth to the most amazing little girl--forever changing our lives.
Spent many nights awake trying to get said amazing little girl to go to sleep.
Jason miraculously finished PIT while having a newborn keeping him awake at all hours.
Somehow survived one of the hottest summers on record in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Took Adelai on her first vacation via airplane.
Became one of "those" moms and joined Stroller Strides. Yes it is a good workout...:0p
Decided to go back to work part-time.
Continued feeling guilty for that decision. But it has been good for me and Addie.
Spent Adelai's first Thanksgiving with both of us sick!
Met Lady Antebellum...
Ended the year with an 8 month old crawling around my house.

One of the best parts of 2011 was obviously Adelai, but it also has been gaining our friends here in Wichita Falls. They have been our rock and sanity, and our family when our family is not here to support us. Yes, I know that is mushy, but it is also incredibly true. When we were stationed in Grand Forks, we honestly did not have the support system of friends there that we now have. Being in Wichita Falls has been such a blessing for both our happiness and health! I cannot imagine going through all of the life altering events of 2011 in North Dakota, and I am thankful I do not have to!

Now for fun pictures of Christmas! I apologize in advance for how many pictures there are...