Christmas 2011

This year we opted to be at home for Christmas with Caleb, so over New Years we will travel to enjoy time with family back in WV and KY. We braved the crowds on Christmas Eve day and did some light shopping around the mall. Then that evening we went to the Christmas Eve service at church where the kiddos led the service in readings, songs, and music (we've got some talented young instrumentalists!). It was a really good time- we concluded with a candle lighting and singing Silent Night..



Josh and I decided to exchange gifts Christmas Eve knowing that Christmas day would be hectic with our plans. I got Josh a new Underarmour shirt (which he wears to work in), a Pizza Hut gift card (since I'm not eating pizza because of Caleb he doesn't ever get to eat his favorite pizza), suspenders (also a work thing, haha), a Marshall shirt, and candy. My husband got me an external flash for my camera! And some cute house shoes (he's trying to warm me up to Ugg boots), a long sleeve shirt, a new iPhone case, and those magic cami things that hook to your bra (which I love!). I have a super thoughtful and sweet husband! Can't wait for that external flash to arrive in the mail this week!

Christmas Day I got up early to get ready and when Caleb woke up, was prepped with my camera to start snapping some sweet memories!

I love his expressions!
Josh made a delicious breakfast- french toast and sausage!

Then we opened gifts with Caleb! I know this year is rather uneventful with him, but we got him a few little things and basically just wanted to kick start our family traditions.

The other gift was an outfit but I didn't get a pic of it yet, oops!

Then we left for church where we sang carols and listened to the story, The Priest and his Dirty Clothes. It is a great kids' story taken from the book of Jeremiah. Next we headed home to finish preparing for our Christmas lunch. The Holloways and the Nolans joined us, and even though the turkey wasn't ready on time, we had a great meal! JLeigh even snapped a few family photos for us!

We exchanged gifts with LG, Josiah, and Ad, and gave Brad and JLeigh the best gifts ever!!

We concluded our day by watching 101 Dalmations (which none of the Holloways had ever seen, say what?!) while Caleb napped for 2+ hours! It was a great first Christmas, and we look forward to celebrating next weekend with our families!

We hope you had a Merry Christmas!