O Baby!: Hayes's First Christmas...Literally

Like I said in my Thanksgiving post, holidays are always interesting for our little family - we have to juggle time spent with my family, Cody's mom's side of the family, and Cody's dad's side of the family. And if you think that is hard to follow, you can imagine how challenging it is to schedule all of these events! After several years together, I think we are finally starting to get the hang of it though. And I have to admit...it is turning out to be pretty fun maximizing the festivities and carry them through all month long.

On Sunday evening, we kicked off the excitement by celebrating Christmas at Cody's maternal grandfather's house. (Are you envisioning the family tree, yet?) We had such a wonderful time visiting and laughing with one another. The food was plentiful and delicious. (Hayes especially liked the mashed potatoes and cookies...surprise, surprise!) And of course, there were lots of gifts to be exchanged and enjoyed. The first present that Hayes opened, he was not too sure about what to do and what he would find beneath all of the tissue paper. But with a little coaxing, he started to get the hang of it and was so excited to find a toy beneath it all. The next present he was given, he tore right into and acted like opening presents was his job! After all of the ribbons, bows, paper, and tissue was cleared, he was left with a mountain of goodies - an outdoor swing, musical play table, interactive house, talking farm animals, 4-in-1 tricycle, and many more little toys! (Oh, and mommy and daddy got some pretty neat things too. Be on the look out for some beautiful pictures with my new zoom lens!!) Overall, it was a glorious evening and the perfect first Christmas celebration for our sweet little boy!