Branching Out

Eli seems to be broadening his taste for toys that go in his mouth. So long circles...bring on the squares!

Christmas Snow!

While we were in Virginia visiting family, there was an awesome storm that dumped almost 15 inches of snow beginning Christmas night. This was the first significant snowfall we'd experienced since Eli's 1st time last January at 4-months-old. (Yes, that was the snow that he absolutely hated, as seen in the video I posted last year.) Now that he was a little older, Eli seemed to like snow a little more. We didn't have any boots for him, so plastic baggies wrapped around his shoes with rubber bands were the next best thing.

At first, Eli was really curious about the white stuff on the ground. Mark put him down but the snow was so deep that he couldn't really move. That ended Eli's desire to walk in the snow!




It was also really cold, windy, and still snowing when we took him out, so Eli's desire to be outside didn't last very long. We attempted to "sled" along the streets but poor Eli's pants kept hiking up and snow got into every piece of his clothing. Ultimately, he ended up being most happy sitting on Daddy's shoulders, safe from the cold and wet snow. Go figure! Nevertheless, memories were made and we had fun in Eli's first Christmas snow!

Our frozen Banana!

Christmas Day Fun!

Christmas Day was very busy for us. We spent Christmas morning and most of the day with Mark's family. Eli was definitely a lot more interested in everything this year, but I was surprised that he didn't get into opening presents a little more. I'm sure that will change in the years to come!

Getting ready to open his presents from Santa!




Mark and I gave Eli his first set of Duplo Legos. They were a big hit!



Opening his stocking with Daddy. Eli was all about eating the food he found inside!



Yummy brunch!




Eli was obsessed with these little flashlights the entire time we were visiting with Mark's family. So random!



Reading with GG


Tried to get a good pic with my boy...so hard these days...but I still think he's pretty darn cute!


"Like my new Lego, Mom?"


Hanging with Grandpa


Getting into trouble with Aunt Margaret



That evening, we made the short drive to spend some time with my parents and extended family for gifts and desserts. Since Eli was the youngest child there, he had to blow out the candle on Jesus's Birthday Cake. We've had this tradition forever, so it was kind of wild to me to realize that it was my son's turn to do it!



So blessed to have these two wonderful women in my life!



We ended up driving back to Mark's parent's house in the snow that evening and finally had our very own White Christmas! (More on that to come soon!)

Our Little Nut

Eli has developed quite the personality over the last couple months and he always seems to be doing something silly. Mark and I are quite entertained these days and we are loving this stage. I'll let the pictures do the talking...







Love our little family!