Merry Christmas - Italian Style!

The holidays were so fun this year!  Carlie had such a great time with all the usual holiday traditions of baking, singing, enjoying Christmas stories and shows, tree decorating, gingerbread houses, and setting up our Christmas train.  We were so delighted to enjoy the holidays through her eyes.  The excitement on her face when I explained what Santa does on Christmas Eve when we leave our stockings out was unforgettable!  We felt like this was the year to really decide what we wanted to be part of our celebration because she is old enough to start really remembering. We added a few new traditions like the manger scene advent calendar, an advent wreath, Operation Christmas Child boxes, and a special homemade countdown Christmas tree that was used by Joe and his brothers.

,

Standing in front of the Italian lodge we stayed in for the squadron Christmas/ski party weekend!  Carlie stayed with our friends while Joe and I got to snowboard during the day - it was beautiful!!

We came home to snow in our yard and on our house - rare for Aviano!  It was the perfect start for the holidays!

We had a little Christmas Eve dinner with our friends and favorite babysitter (that moved back to the states boohoo). After dinner we went to the Christmas Eve candlelight service. Carlie was old enough to hold her own candle! She still sings her babies 'Away in a Manger' and 'Silent Night' which is about the sweetest sound ever coming from our little tot!

Santa found us even in Italy!! Although, I shouldn't say 'us' because I'm pretty sure everything under the tree had Carlie Jean's name on it! She loves the baby doll cradle that Santa brought!