Carlinville Christmas 2009

 We spent Christmas Day with Oma and Opa. We opened lots of presents before heading to The Fullington's for the afternoon. (no photos from Fullington's :()

Merry, Merry! -Christmas 2009

This was my first Christmas morning at home in my memorable life. It was everything I hoped for. Cole enjoyed the mystery of Santa...

This was the first Christmas Cole really got into.  Cole, you are such a big boy these days.  You are more of a buddy than my baby!  You are so much fun.  I enjoyed this Christmas as a parent more than any I had as a child I think!  I love you, Monkey!

Your big present this year was a Geotrax train set.  Daddy helped you set it up and you have practically run the batteries out by keeping it running all.the.time!  You love it.  Daddy is ready to build on your set with more goodies.

Thanks for making my Christmas magical, Cole.  As you and I regularly say these days, "you're the best!"

Christmas at Na & G's - 2009

...there was the food

...there was some silliness

...then there were gifts

...the smells

...best of all, there was lots of love!

Seafood Night 2009

Derek and I have had a tradition of our own since our first holiday together...A seafood spread! This was Cole's first year to get in on the action. He liked the crab, but preferred to fill up on peanut butter crackers! Derek and I know that this tradition will be very pricey in a few years when he gets that boy appetite!

Cole waiting for the good stuffthe spread!

crab rangoon dip

After we filled our bellies and changed into pajama pants, we went to look at Christmas lights.

There is a wonderful street near our home that goes big!


"Look Mama, Look Dada! Lights, lights, lights!"

After the lights, we came home to watch a video sent to Cole from Santa. He loved that Santa said his name kept saying "Santa said 'Hi Cole!'" I love the Christmas magic!

Cole got a few early presents from relatives and friends. He loved the treat and the new toys!

Breakfast on the 'go'