Christmas Dinner With the Jones'

After a quick trip back home and a nice Skype session with Colin's family in Wisconsin, it was back over to Grammie's house for Christmas dinner with the Jones' family. Everyone was there... The Holden's

Grammie and Uncle Reid Cousin Melissa and Grannie Samantha, Uncle Micheal and Greg (honorable mention to Travis and Cheryl) Carter made sure to bring a few toys over to keep himself entertained (and show off a little - the guy like attention!).

Carter also had fun playing with Grammie's toys including the baby manger set. Grammie told him the whole story of baby Jesus.

Carter had to take a little nap so Cousin Samantha volunteered to open his Christmas presents while he was gone. She did a great job and put Carter's opening skills to shame.

When he got up Carter spent some time playing with the rest of the kids... i.e. Cousin Samantha and Uncle Micheal. It took Carter a little while to warm up to Uncle Micheal.But once Micheal let Carter chew on his hat, Micheal was in!Carter had lots of fun playing with his cousin. She was very good at making sure his head was warm =) Then it was time to play a little Jones family tradition called Dirty Santa. Carter didn't really get what all the fuss was about. He was also very confused why people were being so mean and taking other people's presents. He was even more confused about why everyone was so excited about a pair of Superman underpants....And why they made Uncle Micheal act so strange!

While we were playing inside, outside things were starting to look like a winter wonderland. Dad and Uncle Reid had a fun time making snowmen outside and those Superman underpants ended up coming in handy! After a quick goodbye to cousin Samantha, it was off to bed for Carter!When we got home, the house was covered in snow and looked so pretty all lit up! It was a wonderful first Christmas for Carter filled with gobs of presents, lots of family and wonderful winter scenery outside! Merry Christmas everyone!

Over the River and Through the Woods...

To Pop's House we went! Carter was still a little groggy after waking up from his nap but once he saw the big pile of shiny presents he was ready to go! But before any presents were opened, Carter decided to show off his teething skills to Pops. But that didn't last long as Carter was ready to attack his pile of loot. But before he could jump in, his old pal Hershey came over to say "Hello". Carter told Hershey he liked her new coat and offered his ball for her to play with. He even gave her a few pets. But soon Hershey lost interest in Carter which meant it was back to present time! Carter loved every part of opening his gifts. Starting with the bows and continuing to the paper. He was excited to show Pop's how good he had gotten at tearing wrapping paper. He was a present opening machine! Carter was so excited at all his fun stuffHe had so much fun playing with the boxes...but we know he'll have even more fun once he gets everything home! Thanks for all the goodies Pops, Mimi, Aunt Shea and Hershey!

Christmas Morning at Grammie's

Our first stop of the day was Grammie's house where we met up with Uncle Reid. Carter thought it was really cool that he had his own wreath! There were LOTS of presents to open at Grammie's.

Luckily Carter had some people to help out. Carter even got 2 new hats which he decided he wanted to wear at the same time.He hat lots of fun rolling around

And showing off for Grammie. Unfortunately all the early morning activities meant baby was WORN out. It took a little finesse, but dad was able to get him down for a good morning nap... while Mom and Dad finished opening up Carter's presents and everyone had breakfast. Soon it was time to head off to our 2nd stop of the day. Happy Christmas morning everyone!

Christmas Morning at the Holden's

Carter woke up bright and early on Christmas morning, I guess he couldn't sleep with all those reindeer footsteps on the roof! First things first, we got to put the last ornament on the Advent tree.

Then Carter took a big bottle to fuel up for the long day ahead. He was so excited to get downstairs to his presents, he didn't even stop to brush his hair!

Then the present opening began. Carter started on the stocking first. He still seemed a little hungry after his bottle so he chowed down on a banana.

In what was a common theme of the day, Carter showed his excitement for his new toys by giving them a good bite. I guess he was just making sure they were real!

Carter was also so excited by all his new toys he wanted to play with them all at once. Unfortunately his little arms weren't quite big enough for all that fun! These balls from cousin JR were an early victim to Carter's drool.

After the stockings, Carter spotted a crazy looking gym that he had to try out. He had fun using the bars to support himself as he cruised around.

He also played with the sports attachments on the gym but like everything else, they fell victim to the teething process.Other early victims included his music cube...Taggie blocks....Vuili teether....Ice cream cone...

And many more. Not even the wrapping paper stood a chance!

After all that fun, Carter was really to lay low for a few minutes so it gave dad a chance to open his presents. Luckily they included coffee and sugar... the primary fuel for new fathers!Then it was time for some more ....and more present opening. Carter was really making progress with his paper tearing technique.We snuck in some quick play time, a little silliness,and a lot of smiling

before it was out the door to continue the Christmas fun!