Eli's First Christmas

Ho!Ho!Ho!  Merrrrrry Christmas!

 Everyone told us Eli's first Christmas would be a special one.  We sure hoped that six days of traveling, three different locations, over 50 family members, meeting Santa Claus, and lots of action would be special...in the cute happy kind of way, not the screaming melt-down kind of way.  I tell you what, our kid is a trooper.  His week started out with chapped cheeks from his  Great Aunts Denise and Anita, then moved on to spitting up on Santa's lap, wild-life watching, helping the preacher say the Christmas prayer, guarding his toys from Gryff, getting all snazzed up for his first train ride, and enjoying lots and lots and lots of kisses from his Grandmas.  All in all it was definitely a special Christmas in a wonderful heart-warming kind of way :)


The week started with the Pitman fam for three days.  Luptons were back this year, so Saturday we spent the day playing pool, watching basketball, and eating my dad's 'world famous' lasagna. 

The kid gets no love.

Sunday we headed to the Alderson's so Eli could meet Santa Claus.  Eli seemed to like him and showed his approval the best way he knows how - with a little spit-up on Santa's sleeve :)  Later that day we had our family Christmas.  Of course, we made out like bandits and enjoyed watching Eli tear into his gifts. 

Hey Santa - whatcha got in that big bag over there?

Thanks for the presents Grandma and Granddad!

Monday was a quick road trip to Great Bend to see my mom's side of the family.  We enjoyed good food, the traditional gift exchange, and a beautiful Christmas Eve service.  Eli did fantastic through church - he even decided to help with the prayer.  Our trusty driver got us back around mid-night - just in time to head to the Grieves' house and crash for the night.

Approximately half of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Christmas morning Eli got us up bright and early (actually we were thrilled to sleep til 7:15) for more presents!!  Once again Santa was very good to us and we enjoyed spending the morning playing with our new toys until Ryan's family came for Christmas dinner. 

Here Uncle Go, let me help you with that.

Family picture time by the tree.

Wednesday we made a quick trip to Legends with Cole and Alex while Grandma and Grandpa hung out with the little man.  Later that night we revved up the Whirly Pop and snuggled in to watch The Hunger Games (aka the first movie R and I have watched since Eli arrived). 

Whatcha dooooin?

Thursday was planned to be another day of rest and relaxation, but our trip was cut short so we could get back and save the teeth of Manhattan.  Eli and I had a great time playing in daddy's office while he worked. 

But I don't want Christmas to be over yet!!!

All in all it was a wonderful Christmas.  It's hard to believe that one year ago we were announcing I was pregnant.  It's been quite an eventful year and we could not be more blessed.

Happy New Year everyone!