A Holly Jolly Christmas

This year we had our first official family Christmas, on our own in Provo.  It was nice to be able to relax and not worry about flights, transportation, splitting time between family, etc.  However, we greatly missed all of our family in New Jersey and spread across the country.

On the Saturday before Christmas, we went over to the Riverwoods to see Santa.  We didn't realize Santa would be outside, or we would have dressed a little warmer. Thankfully though, Jimmie had some awesome snuggles with Daddy and just hung out inside of his jacket and a Mommy who took him into some stores while Dad stood outside. 

Jimmie with Santa... he wasn't sure what all of the fuss was about.

But he got a cute new bear hat! (Even though you can't see it well here)

In the week leading up to Christmas, I finished up some last minute gifts.  I made these canvases for my sister for Christmas of her 3 kids and some other wall art.  I had a lot of fun with them, and I loved the colors.

We did some of our own new Christmas traditions

And we had way too many presents 

I made Jimmie a stocking this year.  Here it is, just about finished.

 On Christmas morning, Jimmie loved opening presents! 

He loved these little blocks from Santa Clause too

Even though he was nearly 7 months at this point, he was still 6 months at Christmas :)

He got so many great toys, clothes, books, etc.

He especially loved his life size piggy bank from Grammy. 

Well, more like a "giraffe" bank! So cute!

On Christmas, he started doing this thing where he tilts his head to the side like this.

It's adorable! At first I thought it was because he was tired, but now he just does it all of the time

I haven't figured it out yet

Mostly, he loved the bows on everything! 

Can you tell he was pretty happy with how Christmas went?

I got so many spectacular things for Christmas

One of my biggest gifts was a craft/drafting table from Jim

He even set it up for me :)

It's pretty awesome.  Since Christmas I have done 3 different paintings already.

I think it's fantastic.

We also had some gifts arrive a day late.  So we had Christmas 2 days in a row!

Here are a few shots from throughout Christmas:

 On Christmas Eve, we decided we would all open 1 gift.  Jimmie got to help open all of our gifts and pull off all of the bows.

Nala got a nice bed.  Do you think she likes it?

Jimmie likes this drum (popcorn container) quite a bit!

Even though we were away, we felt so much love and kindness from everyone.  Jimmie has especially loved all of his fun new toys! Thank you to everyone for your gifts, well wishing, and prayers.  We are so grateful for our family near and far and for the birth of our Savior on this special holiday.  

We love you all!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!