The Holidays

This Christmas was very special to me, because pure joy was on Vance's face every moment! Like most of you we had a lot going on, so I thought I would break the excitement down by days and using pictures ;)!

Christmas Eve Morning

We headed to Sparta, TN to celebrate Christmas with Web's dad and his side of the family. Sparta is a very small town and the drive there is just beautiful. We only stayed there for a little over an hour b/c we wanted to get back in time for Vance to take his nap.


Little man rocking away in Daddy Bill's Chair ;)!

Christmas Eve Night

We headed out to the farm to celebrate Christmas with Web's mom and the rest of the family. There is always a ton of food but we keep it simple by having everyone bring an appetizer. After a delicious meal, it is time for the present craziness. His family likes to open their gifts all at the same time, so it can be a bit hectic and I made sure not to lose Vance in the wrapping paper ;)!


Vance and his cousin Cole reading a book ;)!


Everyone in the "may lay" (sp?) enjoying their gifts. Web was passing out presents and I was taking pictures ;). Vance got a lot of great gifts that make tons of noise. I know it might bother some parents, but I don't mind it one bit.

Once we left Nanny Margaret's house we headed home just in time to read Vance "Twas The Night Before Christmas" and put him down for bed ;).

Christmas Day Morning

I was so excited because Christmas morning was just Web, Vance, and I in our pajamas! Vance woke up around 7:15 and we could not wait to watch him open his gifts ;)! Before I show you the pictures, please remember we are still in the apartment so we made it as special as we could.


This is absolutely one of my favorite pictures from Christmas. Santa brought Vance this little motorized four wheeler and I love the look on his face!!!


I am not sure if you can tell but Vance is all smiles in this pic. He had so much fun opening his presents from Santa and playing with the paper.

After opening presents we got all cleaned up and headed to Mass :). It was absolutely beautiful. We made it home just in time for Vance to eat lunch and go down for a quick nap. Web and I also rested and watched a little bit of Mama Mia ;).

Christmas Night

When Vance woke up we loaded up and headed to my parent's house for more Christmas festivities. I just love going there because it is so warm and loving ;). We take our dear, sweet time and open our presents one at a time. My mom likes to see what everyone gets, their reactions, and talk about the presents. What can I say, we are sentimental?


My parents got Vance a Radio Flyer Wagon for Christmas that he LOVES! He sat in there most of the evening and opened his presents.

Two of my favorite gifts came from my parents; 1) My mom made me a quilt with some of my old DBS, AOII, and other shirts. It was so special! 2) In my stocking she gave me a Nativity Scene that was made from mud and came from Spain. I have always wanted it as it was the one thing I loved putting out every year. I was under the impression that it was the only one in our family but I just found out my grandmother had one too. She gave my mom her scene and mom gave me hers! I LOVE IT!!!

After presents we enjoyed a delicious meal and a game of Trivia Pursuit ;)!


My beautiful family on Christmas Day :)! I am not sure if you can tell but my little bump is starting to show.


Nana, Vance, and Papa on Christmas ;)!


And this is my amazing family...mom, dad, and my two brothers ;)! I am one lucky gal to have such a great family!!!

The rest of our holidays included more family visits, a trip to the movies to see Benjamin Button, a trip to Hobby Lobby to buy a new tree for our house, and a game night with friends!

I am so sorry that this is such a long post, but this is our Christmas in a nut shell :)! It was a few days full of family, friends, love, laughter, and memories.