Christmas 2012

We had a blast celebrating Christmas this year! Having your own child brings back some of the excitement of Christmas that isn't always there as an adult. Tim and I were excited to share our Christmas traditions with Elijah, and we were able to pack in a lot!

Our "Christmas Marathon" started on the Friday before Christmas with a gift exchange between Tim, Elijah, and myself. Elijah jumped right into ripping the wrapping paper and seemed to enjoy his gifts. One item in his stocking, a Toy Story bath book, he kept in one hand while he unwrapped and played with every other gift. One of our gifts to Elijah was a pop up tent and tunnel to crawl through. We knew it was a hit when Eli spent the rest of the evening giggling while he and Daddy climbed through the tunnel.

Elijah, the tree, and PRESENTS!

What's in my stocking??

Tim really likes the shirt I bought him.

Next came Christmas with my, Kelli's, family on Saturday. Both of my sisters and their families were able to be there along with my parents. It was fun to see all the kids' excitement and Elijah always enjoys playing with his cousins. One classic moment came when we were trying to take a picture of all five cousins on the couch. Elijah was sitting next to his cousin who is 10 months older than him and she looked over at him and then poked him in the eye! Needless to say, Elijah was not into picture taking after that, but his eye made a full recovery. :)

Playing with his farm from Nana & Papa.

Daddy and Eli in his new tent.

On Sunday we left for Wisconsin. We had a very smooth trip getting there. No snow or traffic and one happy baby made for two happy parents! We always try to make a few long stops where we can do something fun and this trip was no exception. We tried to take a new picture of Elijah at Cabella's with the same polar bear that made him cry in this picture when he was a few months old. Our plan was for Eli to point at the bear but, as you can see below, he kept pointing at himself instead. :) But, he isn't afraid anymore.

Being able to stay for a week in WI this time was really great. We were able to spend a lot of time with Tim's family, which was great for Elijah. He was able to get very comfortable with everyone and really enjoyed playing with his Grandma, Grandpa, uncles and aunts. Tim and I were able to go out on a date, do some shopping, eat at some yummy restaurants, and play games with the family. Tim even got to go skiing.

Playing video games for the first time.

Don't let this picture fool you, he loved his snowman bib.

Opening presents on Christmas Eve.

Bathrobes!

Playing with Uncle Andy on Christmas morning.

Reading with Aunt Diana & Uncle David.

Elijah loves Grandpa's fishies!

On our way home we stopped at Mars Cheese Castle because it is an actual castle now and had Elijah try on his first cheesehead!

All in all, we had a wonderful holiday. It's taking us a bit longer than usual to get going again after vacation because 2 days after we got back I got sick and was down for a day and a half with a fever and head cold. But, I am returning to health and am looking ahead to 2013!