Christmas Eve

This year we celebrated Christmas with my Dad for lunch on Christmas Eve.  All of my siblings were there as well as my grandfather, aunt and uncle.  We had a nice time together.  Dad prepared a delicious meal. 

This year has been so much fun with Edward.  He understands how to open presents and even says “Merry Christmas.”  It is so precious to watch.  I think he has enjoyed learning about the tree, ornaments and everything else associated with Christmas.  We tried to teach him about Jesus’ birthday, but I think he is too young to understand.  We will have to work on that for next year. 

After lunch we opened gifts.  My dad, who has a Harley, gave Edward a Harley-Davidson tricycle.  Edward LOVES it.  Thomas counted that he has 8 riding toys.  I think we need a separate garage for all of his “vehicles.”  We all got some nice things and enjoyed being together.  Afterwards, we headed back to Auburn.  We were going to attempt the Children’s Service at church, but Edward was exhausted and still asleep.  We spent family time together before our neighbors came over for supper and to exchange gifts.

After our neighbors left, I let Edward and Brooke each open one gift from under the tree.  Every year they get a pair of pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve.  This tradition was started when my mom was a little girl.  We finally got Edward unwound so that he could go to bed and Santa could begin his work.  Thomas and I had a blast this year with Christmas!!

 

Edward and Aunt Jac

Trying to help put together the motorcycle 

Daddy and Uncle Will putting the motorcycle together

Trying out his new wheels

Edward and my dad (who still does not have a name!)

A Night with Gee

Tuesday night I took the kids and headed to Montgomery to spend some time with my mom and two sisters.  Anne Moreland lives in Oxford, Mississippi so I don’t get to see her very often.  I decided to give Thomas a quiet night alone so I could spend some quality time with the girls.  We got to Montgomery in the late afternoon and had a nice time.  Mom and AM watched the kids so I could get a little last minute shopping in.  Edward absolutely loves being with Gee.  Brian (AM’s fiancée) and AM prepared a nice meal before they headed out to meet friends.  After supper, AM and I took Edward to the tackiest house in Montgomery.  There are two very small houses that border Old Cloverdale and Carter Hill Rd.  They have SO much Christmas stuff in their yards that I don’t think you could successful walk through the yard without knocking something over.  Edward loved Callaway so much that I figured these two houses would be a hit.  Boy, were they!!!!  He walked along the fence trying to touch everything.  When we left, he wanted to hug and kiss Mickey Mouse and Thomas the Train. 

Callaway Gardens

Last Sunday, we decided to take the kids to Callaway Gardens to see Fantasy in Lights.  Thomas’ parents joined us and we headed to Georgia.  It was freezing that night.  Our tickets were for the 8-9 showing.  We left with enough time to allow us to browse the Christmas Village and eat.  When we arrived, they were loading the trolleys for the 7-8 showing and my father-in-law thought we ought to try to get on that ride.  It worked.  The workers didn’t even check our tickets to see what time we had.  It was so nice to get on the earlier ride.  I wasn’t sure how Edward would react to everything.  He loved all the lights.  I kept hearing him say “Wow!”  It was so much fun to see him enjoying our trip.  After the freezing ride, we headed for the Christmas Village to warm up.  We had a blast and look forward to going again next year!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!  I will be back to update with LOTS of pictures!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to my sister, Anne Moreland, and her boyfriend (now fiancee) Brian. They got engaged Saturday night and we all couldn't be happier for them. Brian had mom throw together a small gathering of friends and family to be waiting at mom's for the newly engaged couple. Anne Moreland was so surprised to see old high school friends and family. She had no idea of any of Brian's plans. Congratulations and welcome to the family, Brian!!

The happy couple: Anne Moreland and Brian

Edward and Thomas

Uncle Will riding Edward's Mickey Mouse truck

Christmas Part 1

Last weekend we celebrated Christmas with Thomas' immediate family. They watch Christmas Vacation every year so we all gathered to watch the movie and exchange gifts. Edward entertained everyone as always!

Riding his Auburn tricycle that Aunt Megan and Uncle Clay gave him

Pot, Edward, Brooke, Ally and Nana Clay

The cousins: Edward, Brooke and Ally

Santa Claus

We took the kids one night earlier this month to see Santa. We weren't sure how Edward would react to him. Last year he was 8 months old and it didn't seem to bother him much, but I figured this year would be a different story. Let me go back and say that I love Christmas! I always have. I love decorating, wrapping gifts, the traditions and the music. I hope that my children will get this from me. One night we recorded the 1960's version of Rudolph. We introduced Edward to it and he seemed to really love it. It was this movie that got him acquainted with Santa and the reindeer. Well we got to the mall and headed towards Santa. Edward was so amazed. I was glad that no one else was there because I figured it would take him a little while to warm up. Nope! He walked right up to him and sat in his lap. He was so proud. He would look up at Santa and then look at us and grin. He loved it. He just sat there and probably would've sat there all night if we would have let him! He even told Santa that he wanted a truck and a train!!