Last year was Mira’s first Christmas, but this year was the first christmas where she started to get what was going on. Mira enjoyed putting up the decorations in the house, but her favorite activity was making a little felt ornament for her cousin Niam. She was so focused that not even a cookie could distract her until she was done.

Mira making an ornament

Christmas eve dinner was a special treat from Chicago. The Ross family had sent us a few Lou Malnati’s pizzas. Mom made one of her deep dish pizzas as well. Mom’s veggies were better, but there is just something about that Lou Malnati’s sauce.

Eating deep dish pizza, straight from Chicago

We continued the Christmas tradition of eating too much by having stuffed french toast the following morning. For this dish, we make thick-sliced french toast, put mascarpone cheese and berries, top with another piece of toast, then toss into the oven.

French Toast

After all the eating it was time for presents. We knew Mira was getting the real Christmas spirit when started says “more presents, more presents.”

Family present opening

All this was a bit much for little Niam.

Niam, vocally stating that a nap was needed

We had all gone to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago. By far, Mira’s favorite part were the model trains. We got her a set of her own and she just loved it.

Mira with her train

The Parikh family tradition is that mornings are quieter family times and Christmas evening is the bag family get-together.

The extended family

We were all very happy with how well Niam and Mira got along. They shared toys and Mira gave her cousin lots of hugs and kisses.

Niam and Mira

Sometime it’s hard to believe that both my brother and I have a wife and kid. Every family get together is a three generation affair.

Our two families

Christmas is now in the books and it’s time to welcome the new year.

Bye bye. All done!