'twas baby's first Christmas (and Chase's 3rd...)

Chase was really into all the Christmas lights this year, which meant listening to him screem out "TREE!" at every house that had any kind of lights up. Right after Thanksgiving when all the Christmas lights came out we pointed to our neighbors across the street who had their Christmas tree all lit up in their front window and told Chase, "Look at the tree!"...well, now he thinks all lights mean "tree"...oh well, we'll fix that next year!

We went with some friends to P.I.R. where they let you drive on the race track and they have these huge light displays. It was a nice, warm way to enjoy the lights!

We had the annual family (extended included) Christmas dinner and it was fun to watch the kids get sooo excited when Santa came to visit! Chase, however, wanted nothing to do with him...there is a picture of him screaming on Santa's lap that I need to get from Bruce's cousin. I had to have at least one, no matter how mad it made him!Right before Christmas pretty much all of us got sick with an annoying cold, so this is how we spent our time. Poor guy really wasn't feeling good, but that meant he got to watch "Polar Express" over and over.This was the first Christmas that required Bruce to put together something before Christmas morning, aahhhhhh what a milestone! haha

Christmas morning started a little rough as Chase wasn't feeling too great. He didn't want to look in his stocking until daddy showed him that Santa brought a new car for him, "Mater". Then Chase cheered right up!Of course, Bennett had no idea what was going on. He just thought it was great to play with all the paper!He did get excited about some new toys that he got (we're still explaining to Chase that these are for Bennett...it's really hard to reason with a 2 year old!)

Even though they lost (big time) in their bowl game...we still love OSU! And, I got a keychain to show my pride!

It's pretty easy to figure out what Bruce likes...SUPERMAN! He got some new Superman pajamas and Chase has developed the same love for the action hero too.

Chase is still obsessed with "Cars" and so that's mostly what he got for Christmas. He was so excited that he wouldn't open up any more presents because he just wanted to play with his new car. Bruce had to open his other gifts so he could see that he got more fun stuff. Santa brought Chase his very own car this year! (do you think it will last until he's 16?!) It took a while to get him to open it, but after he finally turned around to see what it was he jumped right in and hasn't gotten out for much since! He loves his car and asks to play with it as soon as he gets up in the morning and from his naps. He'll even try to eat his snacks in it! Good job Santa!

My parents put together this amazing book with our family history and gave it to us "kids" for Christmas. It has pictures and stories of family members from generations past. I can't believe how many hours went into putting that together, thanks so much!

Bennett was just happy to be part of the action! He liked all the wrapping paper and boxes and it was nice to have at least one of my kids in a good mood on Christmas!

After opening stockings and gifts at our house, we got ready and went over to Grandma and Grandpa's to open more gifts. I'm not sure what's with the funny face Bennett is making (above), but I love the little shoes he got for Christmas from his Grandparents!

This is about when the pictures stopped...! The kids were ready for naps and still weren't feeling all that great. My in-laws are always so great and I really appreciated them letting me have Christmas morning at my house with them! One of the gifts I'm VERY excited about is a label maker they got me! Seriously, I'm VERY excited! I've already got big plans for that thing! Thanks!

We had a great Christmas and it was nice to be with family. It will be fun to enjoy more holidays as our family grows and we're excited for next year with our nephew on the way!