After almost two weeks of holiday travel, we are so happy to be home. And although I did not intend to take such a long break from blogging, I have to admit that it was quite nice. I took full advantage of the uninterrupted time with my little family of three — from extra long snuggles with Mr. Sam to dinner dates with my handsome husband to holiday celebrations in both Pennsylvania and Alabama.
We kicked off Christmas week at my parents’ house. Nick, Sam, and I arrived first, followed by Laura’s and Stephen’s return from Utah, and then Andrew’s arrival from New York City. We ate sugar cookies and made Oreo truffles and watched our favorite Christmas movies: Elf and Christmas Vacation. And then on Christmas Eve, we put on our fancy party clothes and visited with extended family.
My dad mixed White Russians, and we feasted on lagostina dip. Then Sam was passed from one set of loving arms to another and another while the adults played a gift exchange game. Per usual, the most sought after gifts were booze and chocolates.
And, of course, we had to take our annual photo with our stockings. Do you notice the new one this year? It’s for Samuel, and it has a big blue train on it.
Sam let us sleep in until about 8:30 on Christmas morning. Then we all filed downstairs in our new PJs from the elves. I do believe that Sam’s were the cutest!
This is the fifth Christmas that Nick and I have celebrated together, and it was extra special this year thanks to our sweet little boy.
No he won’t remember the details, but we will …
His fascination with the shiny bows.
His first (plush) train set — that went straight into his mouth.
Stocking gifts from Nana and Poppy (after a wardrobe change), which included teething toys, a set of blue mittens, and Thomas the Train bath toys.
Reading one of his new books with Uncle Andrew.
And sleeping contently in my arms while the rest of us opened our gifts. For me: cookbooks, red Echo touch gloves, slippers, two more sets of Noritake dishes. For Nick: flannel shirts, a tie, books, beer brewing supplies.
Then it was time for our traditional Christmas morning breakfast: an egg and sausage casserole, apple muffins, and mimosas.
We had very little time to play with our new toys before it was time to shower and pack our suitcases for Christmas round 2. Alabama, here we come!
Sounds like a fun filled Christmas part 1! Your little family is so cute!
Those jammies on Sam are just too cute! Adorable!
Hope your family has a great new year!
The Christmas pajama hat kills me. Too cute!
Aw, babies definitely make holidays more festive! Also – I am really liking your parents’ rustic kitchen furniture!!
Great pictures and such fun Christmas posts. Happy 2012 to you and your family!
Merry first xmas! I love his pjs! Those are so cute – i was searching for those all over before xmas and couldn’t find ONE in Peanut’s size 🙁
Oh my God, that HAT! That is adorable!