Merry Christmas To All- Part 2 :)

Merry Christmas!!!

(I know I was going to be quiet, but I just thought this shot was HILARIOUS! Couldn't really even tell you why- something about the chub, the extra-stretchy tights, or the need for thumb-sucking comfort. :)


Visiting 'Zoo Lights' at Hogle Zoo- surprisingly cold, but also a LOT of fun.


Reese and Daddy decorating the tree- we found she had quite a natural talent for it and throughout the next week we found most of her Fisher Price animals tucked into the branches.


Showing off her pretty Holiday outfit- complete with loot from her raid of Mom's jewelry box.

A fun visit from Uncle Justin and Aunt Erin



Spending Christmas Eve with Mese, Kyle, and Lily
(Yes, Melese and I both decided to cut ourselves bangs that day. :)


We were officially broken-in as parents when we put together this cute little kitchen that Ryan's parents sent for Reese. I had never seen so many tiny little plastic parts in my life!
I have a new respect for my parents when I think of all the Barbie vacation, hair salon, grocery store sets we received. :)


Almost three hours later, here I am, a regular Vanna White, showing off our handiwork. What in the world will we do when we actually have more than one child?! Oh, la la!


Christmas Morning!!!

Ryan's baklava (sp?)- a must for skiing and snowshoeing!


Opening up presents


Reese posing with her Potato Head



Here's Ryan "teaching" Reese the possibilities the Silly Suitcase holds- I think he had more fun than she did!



We started a few new traditions this year-

reading a new Christmas picture book together every night until the big day,
a Christmas Eve "dipping dinner"
making scones for Christmas Morning breakfast,
And for the first time feeling like real parents as WE read the Christmas story and stayed up late putting presents together.

So so much fun!