Christmas Eve

I have to say that this Christmas was, of course, the best one yet. Parker sealed the deal on that one! I have always loved Christmas. I love the magic of Santa, the amazing story of Christ's birth, and seeing the joy (or confusion--haha) of others' faces as they open gifts. Having a child at Christmas brings all of this to a WHOLE different level. Parker really had no idea what was going on this year, but I am already looking forward to the rest of our Christmases with him.

Christmas Eve started out great because we ate at Cracker Barrel for breakfast with Ryan's parents, sister, and our niece and nephew. It was VERY good--although I did get a stomachache afterward. Right after breakfast, we took Parker to see Santa at the mall. When he first got on his lap, he was okay, and as the helper "elf" started to take pictures, things started slowly sliding downhill. Luckily we had Haley with us and I was able to pick her up and play peekaboo with Parker to make him smile. We think the picture turned out pretty good!After all of the picture-taking excitement happened, we went to Ryan's mom's house to prepare monkey cake for her to bake the next day. Haley came with us and Lisa dropped Ian off to participate. Ry and I have made this for her every year for at least the last five years. Here is the proof that we did it again this year:Things were intense. They always are when cinnamon sugar and biscuits are involved, right? Of course, Ry is standing over their shoulders supervising-haha! And in case you're wondering....they did wash their hands.Parker helped!So pretty.So sweet.

What occurred after this but before church was a blur. All I know is that there was baking, dishwashing, shaving, and pantihose involved. I attended the 4pm service with Parker which was interesting! I am used to the 730 service which is more "traditional", and the 4pm service is more child-focused. I enjoyed it nonetheless, and Parker behaved enough to stay in the service with me the whole time.Opa and Renee with PBJ (I'm a poet)

After church, we headed over to Omi's house for dinner. It was, of course, very yummy. Right after dinner, Parker got his very first Christmas present from Omi, Opa, Mom, Dad and Renee.He seemed pretty excited.....and knew exactly what to do when he saw it! I was impressed.He was making lots of noise to express his love for the toy.He found a friend to kiss and talk to!Dad, Mom, Opa and Omi with Parker. They love him so much!
Love!

Ryan had to leave Omi's soon after Parker received his presents to play the piano for the 730 service. I stayed a little while longer and then headed back to my house with Renee to put Parker to bed. After the 730 service, Bryan and Lacy came back to the house with Ryan to have a couple drinks and socialize. Ryan and Bryan secretly got each other gifts that they decided to exchange at our house...Seriously--neither of them knew the other was buying liquor. Too funny!

After Bryan, Lacy and Renee left, we both wrapped a few remaining gifts and then went to bed--at 130! This is really, really late for us. We heard Santa come down the chimney, so I decided to take a picture of the tree after he dropped off Parker's presents.I love our tree :)

These are the stockings that Omi made for us. Words cannot express how much I love them--or her. They say Daddy, Parker and Momma. Santa left some socks for Parker in his stocking!