Christmas Top 10

I have always had a very hard time summarizing.  My mom and I like to recount the time when I was trying to take notes on a book that I was reading in middle school.  She saw that I had a huge stack of cards and asked me how I was doing.   I said "good" until we realized that I was already up to 50 notecards and only on page 50 of the book. :)  Why am I bringing this up now?  Well, not much has changed from middle school Jennifer until now when it comes to summarizing.  While I would like to think that I am a little bit better, I still never want to leave out a single detail.  When it comes to blogging, I can be the same way.  I want to post every good picture and story, but I have come to the realization that there is just no way that will happen.  So, instead of getting completely bogged down and neglecting the blog all together (as I've done a little more lately...sorry!), I am going to try to work on "summarizing" better. 

I know that Christmas is already long gone, but I just have so many fun memories and pictures from Christmas this year.  Rather than skip it all together, I am going to do a brief "summary" of our Christmas and New Years.  So, without further ado, here are my top Christmas Top 10...


1. Christmas Crafts and Activities

While last year was Elijah's official first Christmas, he was a little too young to understand what was going on.  This year we had a great time getting into the Christmas Spirit!  We read many Christmas Books in which Eli loved to find Santa Clause (aka, "Didi Caw"), acted out the real Christmas story on the toy Nativity set that my parents gave us, sang and danced to Christmas music, and even did Christmas crafts.   Here Elijah is coloring on some awesome homemade coloring sheets made by artist Mom. :)

2.  Breakfast with Captain America

Here, Eli is enjoying breakfast with the one, the only, Captain America!  Alright, I'll let you in on a little secret here, this is actually my nephew just disguised as Captain America. :)  I asked Asher why Captain America was so cool and he told me "it's because he kills everybody."  I enjoyed listening to the dialogue between his dad and mom on this one as they tried to explain to Asher that Captain America did NOT kill people, he saved people and that is why he is a hero.  Not sure Asher went for that, but nice try mom and dad. :) 

3.  Fun with Cousins

One of the things Elijah loved about Christmas time was getting to be with his cousins.  At home, we try to go and do things with other kids, but a good bit of the time he is stuck with just mom as his playmate.  This week was different though and he had a whole crew of buddies to play with.  He especially loved Emory, as you can see in this picture.  I thought all of the kiddos were so cute in their Christmas PJs that I tried to get the all together for a picture.  I guess technically Abram complied...I mean, who said anythying about facing forward? :)

The Gang after Christmas lunch.  Elijah loved trying to keep up with the big kids.  They jumped on the bed, played in a tent, played with toys...Eli learned all kinds of fun new tricks.

4.  Christmas Morning

Gifts Galore!  You can see that Ethan is VERY excited! :)

Not everyone was excited. :)  Emory, who has a memory like a steel trap (which is why I like to call her Emory Memory), know exactly how everything is supposed to go on Christmas.  This year the parents and grandparents changed things up on her a little bit.  They did stockings first instead of last!  She did not like that, not one litte bit.  Here, Emory is giving me her "grumpiest face possible" to show her disapproval of changing the order of Christmas morning.  How dare they!

5.  Great Grandparents

We got to stay with Nonie and Gimpa, Ethan's grandparents, while we were in town.  Elijah loved spending time with Nonie and Gimpa in the mornings, around naptime, and before bed.  What a blessing to have our little man loved on by his incredible great grandparents!

Nonie, Eli, Ethan, and Gimpa

Gimps, Gloria, Eli, Mamie, and Daddy
We also went by to see the other great grandparents, Gimps and Gloria!  And I must say that Gloria is one amazing lady!  She carried Eli around for longer than I could and entertained that little boy every second he was there.  Eli loves his Gimps and Gloria and we are thankful for the time that we got to spend with them. 

6.  Roadtrips

Between our Shreveport and San Antonio Christmas times, we went back to Dallas to do a little laundry and be home for a day before getting back on the road.  Elijah woke up especially early on the day that we were heading down to SA, surely out of excitement to see Nana and Papa.  He was out snoozing in his carseat before we even got out of Dallas. :)

On our trip to SA, my car his a major milestone! :)

7.  Christmas with Nana and Papa

Eli opening up presents with his Nana and Papa

Elijah got this cool art easel and desk from Nana and Papa!  We already have it stocked up with crayons, pipe cleaners, and other fun kid crafty items.  It is the perfect place for us to do fun afternoon craft activities!

Mmmm...animal pancakes!  Both delicious and fun.

8.  The IPAD

Ahh, the IPAD.  Eli woke up early every morning and I'm sure it was because he just couldn't sleep thinking about that IPAD.  One of my Christmas presents was that my parents got up with our little early riser and let us sleep.  Thank you!  This was one of the best gifts of all. :)

Papa's lap is the perfect place for kids of all ages to come and be amazed with the IPAD for hours. :)

9.  Adventures in Nana and Papa's Backyard

Is that our kid outside in late December underneath a windmill with no pants on?  Surely not...

Okay, so maybe it is...but it was warm out, I promise!  In Shreveport we were wearing jackets and scarfs.  In San Antonio, we didn't even need to wear pants...well, we wore pants...only people under 2 were exempt. :)

Elijah loved to play with the windmill, the sole sustaining energy source for my parents house. ;)

"Was that a joke, Mommy?" 
"Yes baby, that was only a joke." :)

Playing a fun game that he learned from his cousin Dylan over Thanksgiving...still no pants.

First you get this cool car (aka, gardening cart) and drag it up the hill

Then you lay down on your tummy and ride all the way down the hill!

10.  New Years Eve!

Loved our time with the Coben Clan!  Here is my brother and his wonderful family.
Katelyn, Dylan, Jenny, Matthew, and Michael

Nana and the grandkids

Proof that Ethan and I really were there!
 Exchanging Christmas gifts with Michael and Jenny and the kids...we are so blessed!

Time for Games and Snacks!  Not quite sure, but I am pretty sure Katelyn may have just eaten one of the oreos. :)
We had a fabulous time on New Years Eve.  We played games, laughed until our stomachs hurt, and then celebrated the New Year together with family that we love.  I couldn't think of a better time.  We love you all and had a great time! 

Thanks for all of the fun memories everyone!  We are truly blessed.  Merry Christmas and  Happy New Year.  Looking forward to all the new fun and memories in 2012!