christmas in pictures (and a few words)...

Christmas was just wonderful. Our first as parents, and it was truly special.  

To start the season off with a bang, my dear friend Ra and I hosted an ornament swap for mommies at the Ranch.  It was super fun spending time with fellow mommies and their kiddos...and of course Chams, jr. loved spending time with his best bud, B.

We also fit in a trip to Bass Pro to see the man in red.  I mean, every child needs to have their picture with Santa, right?  After 45 minutes of standing in line, they met, Chams, jr. was not thrilled, and we got 3 semi-decent pictures.  Somehow, I sense upcoming years of frowny pictures.

For Christmas, we headed north to Gran Bon and Granddaddy's house to celebrate with the Downs family.  

Chams & Cubbie

Uncle Brew, Aunt S and Cubbie were all there with their Christmas spirit in tow.

Gran, being the sweet librarian she is, had to start the tradition of reading the Christmas story.  It was a little long for the attention span of a 7 & 9 month old, but was so precious.

Chams, jr. and Cubbie especially loved getting to play together.  They're great buddies already.

Granddaddy couldn't wait to give the boys their first tractor, and gave it to them the first night we were there.  It's become a favorite of Chams, jr's.  Wheels + Noise = Good times.

Chams, jr. got a shiny red car from Gran and Granddaddy.  It's pretty snazzy if I do say so myself.

Aunt D, Unc, and their family came over to celebrate with us before the Chams crew headed back to the ham to start our own Christmas traditions.

Unc calls Chams, jr. his twin.  They have the same initials, and look similar in baby pictures.  Sweet boys.

Being back home for Christmas with Chams, jr. was so special.  And, to think that this time last year it was just the six of us, and now we've grown to eight.  We're quickly feeling the home-place up!

The Chams three drove south on Christmas Eve to enjoy some time together and wake up for Christmas at the Ranch.  It was super special.

Chams, jr. didn't know really what to do with all of the presents, but loved all his new goodies.

Mommy's old rocking chair has become a quick favorite.  Gran and Granddaddy gave the green light for it to come back to the Ranch with us.  Chams, jr. is thrilled...it's just his size!

Santa was especially good to this girl, and brought her a new printer.  I must've been pretty good this year.

The wagon was a huge success.  I'm super pumped about walks in the spring in that thing.

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year, and this year with our newest addition, it was even more special. Change is never easy, but spending Christmas day at home with my two favorite boys was the best gift of all.   I'm already looking forward to Christmas's to come when we can share why we celebrate and who the real reason for the season is....Jesus.  

Hope your Christmas was filled with love and blessings, and lots of special memories.  I know ours was!