The Pickle

Of course, Christmas is not complete without the pickle war. It's serious! We have to start with backs to the tree. This year, we were not allowed to stand next to our significant other.

 See...proof that Chris plays dirty! He pushed me down and held my arm!

 Dang, boys won. 

Nonna and Papa's House

Christmas night, we went to Nonna and Papa's to celebrate.

 This is one of my favorite pictures of the girls!

 Ava played Santa. She insisted whoever she gave a gift to would need to sit on her lap and take a picture.

 Watching Ava open her Nook was awesome!!

 Such effort!!

 Can you tell she was excited about the horse?

 Mom and Dad got new pots and pans. I think Dad is sweating because he thinks he's going to be required to cook.

 The feast!!!!

 Someone got a little in to making the grasshoppers! Her face turned green!!

Christmas Morning!

We left cookies and milk for Santa. 

 Ava wanted to write a letter to Santa by herself this year.

 This gift tag melted my heart!

 Ava was so excited to give Gianna the present she brought for her. 

 Ava was soooo excited to get her "American Girl" doll!

 Of course Elmo was a huge hit in Gianna's world!

 The girls got their first joint gift...a new doll house.

Buon Natale!

We spent Christmas Eve with my Gramma and Grampa Zarletti. We were visiting when all of a sudden we heard, "HO, HO, HO" coming from outside! Gianna and I checked out the window and saw the big guy in the red suit on Grammy and Grampy's lawn!

 Santa came in and had presents for all the kids!

 Santa bought the toy that Mommy always wished she had!

 Gianna was throwing the wrapping paper at Grammy Zarletti as she opened her gifts. Grammy had some quick hands!

 Ava gave Grammy and Grampy the ornaments we made earlier in the day.