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.

A Very Merry Christmas

This Christmas was one of the best ever! Rylan made each moment so special. Even though he's still a little too young to understand the whole Christmas thing, he still enjoyed opening gifts, playing with family, and eating yummy treats. What a joy he is! Life wouldn't be nearly as wonderful without him! Thank you Rylan for making Christmas so merry and bright!

This chair was mine when I was little and I have similar pictures of me sitting in it at about this age. It is special that Rylan can enjoy it now!

Rylan loved to look at all the ornaments on our Christmas tree. He particularly loved the reindeer who's mouth opened to reveal a Hershey kiss. Our son loves his chocolate!

Lisa, Chris and Breanne

We spent Christmas Eve with my family. As always, we had a wonderful time! Thanks Mom and Dad for the yummy food and wonderful gifts. We love you!

Mom, Jerimiah, Ty, Jeff, and Dad

My nieces, Ava and Jada opening their gifts with the help of their mom (my sister Jenna).

Dad reading the Christmas story to Ava and Rylan
"You mean Jesus used to be a baby just like me? Wow!"

Auntie Bre and Rylan

Rylan was overjoyed to see Auntie Bre! She's been away at school so we hadn't seen her in awhile. Auntie Bre used to be Rylan's nanny and he sure loves her. He couldn't take his eyes off of her all night.
"Auntie Bre is just so beautiful!"

Ava and Rylan loved wearing reindeer antlers!

"I love my new toy! I'll play with this for hours!"
Rylan got lots of new toys for Christmas. He loves them all and especially enjoyed ripping the paper off the gifts. He's pretty good at it now since he had lots of practice.

Rylan didn't think it would be Christmas without singing Christmas carols, so he hopped up on the piano bench and played us some tunes. We call him baby Beethoven.

"What did Santa bring me this year?"
Rylan seemed more excited about the oranges in his stocking than the toys.

Bryon's parents came and spent Christmas with us too! We were glad they made it here with all this snow. Thanks for making the trip! We really enjoyed your visit!

The day after Christmas we headed to Coeur d'Alene to see all the beautiful lights on the boardwalk. It was a sight to see!

It was so cold outside that we headed in to the Coeur d'Alene Resort to warm up. We sat by the fire, drank Starbucks coffee, listened to music, and enjoyed watching Rylan eat a cookie and wander all over the place.

What a wonderful Christmas! Children make everything so magical!