Christmas #2

Christmas #2 was fantastic! And how lucky are we that we get to celebrate Christmas more than once. We flew down to Tucson and Alex was awesome on the plane. I was really nervous that he would have a hard time with the change in air pressure because he had a cold but he was a joy and even flirted with the flight attendants.

CHRISTMAS EVE
The Christmas Eve feast of the 7 fishes is a long-standing Russo tradition. It is my favorite meal of the year! So many people spend so many hours preparing, making it a true labor of love. Alex is too young to enjoy it to its fullest, but having him be part of it this year made me feel so happy complete. He is the first of a new generation to enjoy and carry on this tradition...so cool!

Dinner...YUM!

Norbert, Chris and Michael scrubbing the clams

Grandma and I making the cannolis. This year we added the Bliss Cannoli to the menu (Cranberry, Orange, Ginger and White Chocolate). Great idea, Grandma...they were a hit!

Alex with Great Grandma

Oyster Shooters

Dad delivering the lobster sauce pasta to the table

My mom bought Alex this awesome lobster outfit for the dinner. We attempted to get a family photo in front of the Christmas tree with him in his great outfit but someone was sleepy. So this is the best we got!

CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas Day was a beautiful day of relaxing with family and enjoying the simple moments - and a lot more food. We slept in to help our stomachs digest the huge meal from Christmas eve, Dad then made us lattes and we did gifts. Then we had a late brunch of lox and bagles with Grandma and Grandpa, Pozole for dinner and then over to Aunt Rose's and Uncle Jim's for Aunt Rose's delicious Christmas cookies. I'll tell you, the Russo family sure knows how to celebrate with food :)

Alex opening his first gift...

It's a hat the Uncle Michael made!!

Papa got him some great U0fA swag

Nona playing with Alex's new favorite toy.

More presents.

Our favorite gift this year is Alex!

Uncle Michael reading Alex his Christmas book during brunch

Nona and Alex

Great Grandpa and Alex

LOTS OF PEOPLE TO MEET AND PLACES TO SEE!
The rest of the trip was Tour De Alex! Alex got to meet lots of Tucson peeps and we had some great time with a lot of folks.

Aunt T.

Nana (Great Grandma). Alex also got to meet my Auntie Patti and cousin Emily.

One of my dear friends, Katie, had her little girl, Kylie, only a few weeks before Alex. But of course, Alex is bigger than Kylie...go figure!

Kylie and Alex

Oma with Alex - Oma took care of Michael and I when we were babies.

Christina and Anna - my dear friends from high school

Look at the brightness in those eyes! Christmas takes on a whole new meaning with a baby boy and knowing the joys of motherhood. We are so blessed to have Alex in our family and we continue to feel so happy to share him and introduce him to our wonderful family and friends. Merry Christmas everyone!