Christmas Recap

Here is a recap in pictures starting with Christmas Eve. We had a wonderful Christmas and kept very busy visiting family and hosting get togethers. Of course Samuel made it extra special - the magic of Christmas through a child's eyes is something I look forward to experiencing every year!

Here is Samuel on our drive to Advance, NC for a Christmas Eve celebration with a lot of my relatives (mom's side).

We stopped for lunch to visit with more family and introduce them to Samuel. It was nice to see everyone one again (Aunt Carol, Ralph and Carrol).Here here we are with my mom and grandmother. Samuel wanted to PLAY, not take pictures.Here are just a few of my family. There are about 35 of us (or more) and it always makes for FUN reunions. Although this year is bittersweet without my grandfather who passed away in June. We all miss him!
Christmas morning - our little guy fresh from the crib checking out the goods.He loved his ball and kept pointing to it saying, "ball, ball ball"... He also loved the cool chair Mum mum and Pup pup gave him! Thank you guys.

Here he is testing out the chair. He loves climbing in and out of it and sitting in it when we are in the recliner.

Story time in his new chair...

Henry and Samuel enjoyed the great weather on Christmas day. They played with bubbles, balls and opened more gifts.

After a busy day and warm bath, Samuel took a load off...all he needs now is a remote:).

Friday we had my mom, step-dad, brother and his girlfriend over for dinner. We had a nice visit.

Samuel loved his new rocking horse from Mimi and Papa - as you can tell by his expression!

Christmas Update

Wow, I think this has been the busiest December we've ever had! Christmas parties to attend and host, family functions, playgroup celebrations and so much food everywhere! This past weekend we had a great time joining all the other last minute people in the shopping frenzy. The mall was packed and the people were more like a colorful blur as they sped in every direction loaded up with bags.
On Sunday my dad and stepmom came over for lunch and we had a nice visit. Of course Samuel had lots of attention and loved doing his "tricks" for everyone and getting lots of claps and praise. It was too short, but we enjoyed the time we had.


On Sunday night we decide to bundle up and head to Meadows for the train/lights! It was about an hour drive, but well worth it. A lot of people had the same idea because we had to wait in traffic just to park for about 40 minutes. Then we had another line for the train, but it went fairly quick and in the meantime we sipped hot chocolate and looked at the amazing lights. It was SO FUN to watch Samuel take everything in on the train ride. He was truly in AWE as you can see in the pictures. It almost made me tear up just seeing the wonder and amazement on his little face. Although we didn't make it home until 10pm, it was a blast!

Here is a picture of some of the lights - I think this was a jack in the box.
Samuel's mouth is literally opened in awe as he is staring at the lights!!

He did not want to turn and look at the camera here - just let him see the lights people!
Papa and Mimi joined us in the fun since they live only 15 minutes from the show. They had as much fun as Samuel.
This is just a random picture of Samuel doing one of his new favorite things - scribbling! I am not the type of mom who wants her frig free of clutter and magnets - I already have his first "drawing" hung with pride.

More pics from Samuel's 1 year picture session

Here are a few more pics from Samuel's 1 year photo session. We picked out 25, but these were some of our favorites...

My Blogswap Gift!

My blogswap gift arrived late yesterday afternoon as Brian and I were about to head to a Christmas party. Although we were already a bit late, I HAD to rip open the box and see its contents. Mrs. Jan "Jenius" Reber had my name and did an incredible job picking out so many adorable, festive items to bring a little Christmas cheer. First, I opened the cute round box to find four winter Christmas mugs (and you know I love my hot drinks!). Next, I found a container of YUMMY looking hot chocolate which will be enjoyed in my Christmas mugs very soon. Mrs. Reber also added some tea and cute holly Christmas towels (I needed some of these). To top it all off, I received some of Mrs. Reber's delicious sugar nuts - they almost did not make it into the picture because Brian was devouring them. Oh, and one last surprise - the kid's Christmas video that none other than Mrs. Darla Reber Seckman stars as a little girl. Samuel is going to grow up thinking his "Auntie" Dolly is a star!

Thank you so much, Mrs. Reber, for the thoughtful, useful and fun gifts!! I love them all!