December 31, 2011

Our tradition (well since 2008) a family self portrait on NYE

All saying Cheese!

Saturday - The weather was wonderful today - high of 66! We decided to spend most of the day outside. We headed downtown to take Alec for a trolley ride in the River Market. He loves trains so we knew the trolley would be a hit. He had so much fun and at one point he told me "he loved it." It was the best $4 we've spent. We also visited the Peabody playground to let Alec play a little and we took a walk across the Junction bridge.

The last 3 pictures are somewhat of a tradition in our house. We've started taking a family self-portrait on New Year's Eve. This year we mixed it up a little and got a little goofy! :)

We had a sweet day and tonight we are just staying in and taking a break. We've had an action packed holiday season so it's nice to be comfy and watch the ball drop from the couch in our PJs. This year has been one of the best yet for us. Here's to a fabulous 2012!

December 30, 2011

Alec catching the sunshine (his words)

Friday - I got off 3 hours early today - short week! :)

Since the weather was so nice and I was feeling better, we headed to a local playground after work. Alec had so much fun, we played for about 45 minutes until it was almost dark. We went to dinner afterward and Alec fell asleep in the car on the way home.

December 29, 2011

So far, Alec doesn't really "cook" anything he just throws it on the floor!

Alec and I taking it easy in the morning.

Thursday - I still wasn't feeling up to going back to work and Alec had a yucky cold too. So we stayed at home again today.

December 28, 2011

Wednesday - No pictures today, I was supposed to go back to work today. I woke up in the middle of the night with a nasty stomach virus. I slept most of the day and could barely do much of anything.

December 27, 2011

Tuesday - We were tired of leftovers and needed to run to Target for few necessities for the week. So we headed to Chick-fila to eat and let Alec play. This was supposed to be my last day of leave for Christmas, that changed a little. 

December 26, 2011

Alec decorated his art table.

Alec and Eric saying Cheese! :)

Go Kart time!

Daddy's turn! :)

Monday - Today we stayed in most of the day, played with our new toys, and that night we headed to Playtime Pizza for some fun. Alec had a blast! I followed him around from game to game while Eric got his arcade fix. Alec was a little hesitant about the go karts but once he saw me riding he decided he was interested. We even got to race by ourselves on the track.

December 25, 2011

Alec got a new friend in his stocking.

Santa came!

Alec and Eric playing Sesame Street Monsters on Xbox.

Picture of me and my boy with my new iPhone.

Another pic with my new iPhone.

Sunday - Christmas 2011. We woke up around 8:15 ready to open presents. Alec was really into getting presents this year. He loved ripping into the paper and even helped us open our presents (sometimes before we were ready!). He has changed so much from last year. Some highlights from this year - Santa brought Alec a kitchen set, some more practical things (a shirt, some new bedding and art supplies) and the Cars 2 movie; I got a new camera bag, a Silhouette Cameo, and an iPhone 4s; and Eric got a  Kindle, bluetooth headphones, and a new coat.

Later in the day, my family came over for dinner and to exchange gifts. Alec got some more great stuff a bicycle, an art table, and some food for his kitchen. We had a great day celebrating with our family.

Christmas was definitely more magical this year seeing and experiencing it through Alec's eyes. He actually enjoyed seeing Santa Claus, he loved all the decorations, lights, and even the treats. However, we may have went a little overboard on the movies - he loves Christmas Vacation and asks for it by name. Some of his favorites this year were Charlie Brown Christmas, The Elf on the Shelf (TV show, he calls this Chippy), and Frosty the Snowman. I think we watched Christmas Vacation at least 6 times in the last week - Eric and I were actually tired of it.  I've also listened to Sesame Street Christmas at least once a day since December 1st.  Some phrases that he's said this month that are just too cute not to remember:

"Turn Christmas on" - meaning turn on the Christmas tree lights
"Sing Christmas today Daddy" - he said this to Eric on the way out the door one day.
"Watch Chippy/Christmas Vacation/Charlie Brown/Frosty" - he nods his head and smiles as he says this, he's our little manipulator.

I have an old Hallmark holiday music scene that plays "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree" - every night before bed we have a dance party where he plays that in his room. He loves it. He also has learned the song Jingle Bells.

December 24, 2011

Alec getting a treat at Grandpa's house.

Decorating cookies for Santa.

Getting ready to feed the reindeer.

Saturday - Christmas Eve - today we visited more family and then headed back home to Little Rock. We decorated cookies for Santa and made some food for the reindeer. Tomorrow's the big day!

December 23, 2011

The roofers had lunch delivered.

Who needs presents? We have Mammie's wheelchair!

Alec showing off his new boots.

Dawson showing off his new Toms.

Friday - Today we woke up to the sound of our door bell ringing at 7 a.m. It was the roofers coming to install our new roof.

That afternoon, we headed to Lamar to celebrate Christmas with Eric's family. We opened presents and had a nice dinner. Alec got some great stuff and we had a great time.

December 22, 2011

Alec playing at McDonald's

Alec needed a buddy in the backseat.

Alec's favorite part the Christmas train.

Thursday - I took off work today to finish up shopping and to have a day with my boy. We ran some errands, went to the grocery store and went to McDonald's for some play time.

That evening, we had dinner and then went for a Christmas lights tour. We drove through the Enchanted Forest in Sherwood and then drove by the Capitol. Another item off my list! :)