Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas! We had such a great time celebrating Jackson's first Christmas this year. I have always liked shopping online but now more so than ever! It's just not super easy to go to lots of different stores while toting a baby around. He's usually only good for about 2 or 3 stops and then he's ready to be done! So needless to say I ordered most of my gifts online. I had also bought several things for Jackson in the summertime! Toy R Us had a couple different buy one get one free sale days and I took full advantage of that!

We spent Christmas at the lake this year. The weather was perfect. low 60s during the day and sunny! It was only rainy and cold on Christmas Day. Jackson got lots of wonderful toys and gifts from Santa and also from Nana and Papa. He got a wagon, a convertible car seat (the next model when he outgrows his infant carrier), lots of books and other fun toys. Mommy and Daddy gave him an activity table and a ride along dinosaur toy, some wooden puzzles, books, bath toys and more! He was so worn out after opening presents!

 All dressed up ready for dinner at the club

Must have seen something super exciting!

 With Papa

With Nana

The next day we lounged around the house, went for a walk and played! Jackson is always sticking out his tongue these days!

Standing while just holding onto my fingers

Always has to stick his tongue out!

Mom and I decided to make The Pioneer Woman's super yummy cinnamon rolls. Being our first time making them I think they turned out really well. They were delicious. We might have started a new Christmas tradition.

 

Lots of fun playing with Papa!

Always on the go these days!

 

Christmas morning - Jackson had so many wonderful gifts from Santa! Then we started opening his other gifts.

He's curious what he's got back there!

mmm...wrapping paper! He loved trying to chew on it. We didn't let him chew on it but as soon as he had pulled the paper off the present it went directly in his mouth.Pretty much like everything else these days!

He loves his shapes ball!

 

 My new wagon is awesome!! It's a 2 seater with a total of 4 cupholders. Who wants to go for a ride with me?!? Plenty of room for sippy cups and snack cups!

Lots of fun books, puzzles and other toys!

Extra special present from Papa. This chair was made by Jackson's Great Grandfather. It used to be a light green with a stencil on the back of it. It survived the fire and the only thing wrong was the paint had bubbled up. Papa spent lots and lots of time stripping and refinishing the chair for Jackson and even put a plaque on the back of it. What a special present! He will love this chair growing up!

Mom made this cross-stitch sampler back when I was born. Well obviously that one burned up in the fire but she was able to find the same pattern book and remake it! She hadn't done cross-stitch in probably 15+ years. It looks just as I remember it and Jackson is going to love looking at it in his room! So special!

After we opened our presents and had pancakes for our Christmas morning breakfast it was time to pack up and head home. We were headed to Jimmy's moms that evening to spend Christmas with his family!

  Sweet Dillon snoozing :)

Jackson with Aunt Megan

We had a wonderful dinner and evening with everyone. Sadly, I didn't get many pictures. Jackson normally goes to bed at 6:30 and he got way off schedule that night and since we didn't even get there until 5:30 he wasn't the happiest camper.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Happy Chanukah!

Happy Chanukah! We celebrated Jackson's first Chanukah while at the lake last weekend. We lit the candles and said the blessing. We even had bbq brisket and potato latkes. Dinner was delicious as always and the latkes were the best ever. On this particular night it happened to be Christmas Eve so the presents we opened were ornaments. Growing up we always received a special ornament each year on Christmas Eve. I guess it is a little silly to open a Christmas present for Chanukah but I guess for our family thats been pretty normal!