Three Christmases

Every year Christmas seems to come and go in the blink of an eye, so it was nice to be able to extend our holidays this year by celebrating Christmas three times. We spent Christmas Eve (Christmas #1) at Bryon's grandma's house in the afternoon, then just the three of us at our house in the evening. Bryon's grandma just adores Rylan and every time we see her she says "it is just like watching Bryon as a baby all over again." Christmas Eve at our house was very nice. It was so fun to celebrate the holidays with our little family at home. We spent the evening watching Christmas cartoons on TV, listening to Christmas music, and opening a few gifts. Rylan was much more into Christmas this year than he was last year. He loved all the Christmas decorations, the lights, all the Christmas goodies, counting down the days until Christmas on his advent calendar, and he couldn't wait for Santa to come. It was so fun to watch him!

Ryaln awoke on Christmas morning to find presents from Santa under the tree! He was pretty excited, especially about his new truck.

This is what Rylan found when he came downstairs. He must have been a good boy this year!

He found even more presents in his stocking. He was especially thrilled about the Pez dispenser, clementine oranges, and a moose that poops chocolate jelly beans when you push down on it.

Christmas evening (Christmas #2) was spent at my sister Jenna's house. Jenna and Jerimiah made a delicious prime rib dinner. They are great hosts! Even though Rylan was a little cranky due to teething his molars and Bryon had a bad cold, we still had a great time.

Jenna and Ava-Aren't they gorgeous?

My sister Breanne and her boyfriend Rudy-We sure enjoyed having Rudy with us on Christmas! He fits right in with our family and Rylan just adores him.

Dad and Grandma-My parents gave my grandma a framed collection of old black and white family photos from when my mom was little. My grandma said it was the best gift she ever received, especially since there were lots of pictures of my grandpa who died before I was born.

Lisa and Jeff-Relaxing after the big feast.

This is the best family photo we could get. Rylan wasn't in the mood for pictures.

Thanks Mimi and Papa for all the fun gifts!

Christmas #3 began when Bryon's mom and brother Brett came to visit us on the 26th. They stayed with us for a few days and we had a great time! It was great to see Brett since we don't get to see him very often as he lives in DC. We're so glad they both made the visit to see us. Rylan has been talking about them ever since they left.

Rylan liked to sit with Grandma and Brett while he watched cartoons.

By the end of their visit, Rylan had really bonded with Uncle Brett...so cute!

Round three of opening presents. Rylan got lots of fun new toys, books, and clothes. He'll have plenty to play with for awhile.

Thanks to all our family for making Christmas so wonderful! We are glad we were able to spend it with you.