Christmas Vacation

We have finally returned home after a most awesome trip south for Christmas. We started out in Atlanta at Grandmama's house.

(How many cousins did you say I have?!)

Then we moved onto Florida where we had our picture taken at Sears...


ate sand on Boca Grande Beach on Christmas Eve...


and dressed up for Christmas Eve Dinner.


On Christmas day we played more with the wrapping paper than we did with the toys,


but I really liked swimming at the pool!


On the way back home we got to visit the most awesome Godfather and his family in Charlotte!

(Monroe's future babysitter.)
We also caught up with our really great friend, Marty.

After lots of driving, we finally made it home. We are glad to be sleeping in our own beds at last, but it was a wonderful Christmas that we will never forget! Thank You, ALL for EVERYTHING!!!!

This week we are reading...

I know we got lots of really great books for Christmas, but this one actually has a picture of a bat leading storytime! That's my job! If you get a chance, you should also check out Bats at the Beach.

Christmas Comes Early

This past week we have had fun decorating the tree and opening a few presents early. As you can see, Monroe especially liked his "Baby's First Christmas" Ornament that was sent by his Grandmama.

And here, he is trying to move it closer so that he can "read" what it says.


Next, we had to open some of the presents from his great-grandmother since we won't be here on Christmas Day (or at least that is the rationale that Monroe's Mom used!)

Monroe got some new blocks!!

No Sunday would be complete without watching some football. Here he is trying to figure out how the Redskins could lose to the lowly Bengals! (Don't worry, his Dad will turn him into a Panthers fan soon enough)

Countdown to Christmas!

The countdown has begun. We've decorated and hung up our calendar. Today we got our tree! We drove out to the tree farm and Matthew cut down the perfect tree. Next year, Monroe can ride on the tree sled and roast a marshmellow at the campfire. This year he watched Daddy do all the hard work....

and then he helped to take the credit!



This week we are reading the book...

Monroe is really more interested in eating the book than reading it, but he has tried to turn a page once or twice. (Then he tried to eat it.)