Christmas Day 2008

So much fun was had by all with surprises to fill the day and then the following week. Halle and James could not wait to get downstairs Christmas morning. Everyone awoke around the same time. We then hurried downstairs to see what Santa left under the tree. Halle was excited to find an ironing board with iron, a miniature Dirt Devil vaccuum cleaner, a small mop, and a Hannah Montannah shirt. James was happy to see his new, green bike and fireman jacket. Hayes also found some baby toys under the tree. Stockings were filled with crayons, paper, stickers and fruit snacks. Gram, Papa, Alicia and Adam knocked on the door about thirty minutes into our morning excitment. From there, it only got more fun. We continued opening presents here, then went across the street to begin a whole new, present filled party. Later, Halle and James went on their first bike ride with Daddy. James seemed like a natural on his new bike (Halle has had hers since last Christmas).

Siblings

The two pictures we have managed to get of all three smiling at the same time, mostly...

Christmas Eve 2008

We had an oyster roast in our backyard with Amanda's side of the family. We shucked a little over half a bushel of oysters and scarfed down most of a lowcountry boil (shrimp, potatoes, corn and sausage). We went to church together in the afternoon, read The Night Before Christmas, watched Barney's Christmas with Aunt Alicia, and made sure we put out cookies, milk and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. The Elf on the shelf (a new tradition this year) started out in the stockings and made his way up to Halle's room this night. She woke up at 2 am yelling for Daddy to get the Elf out of her room.

Hayes is 6 months old

Hayes keeps us smiling everyday with his happy face and twinkling eyes. He is crawling backward, grabbing anything he can and pulling it to his mouth and actively playing with his toys. He eats baby food vegetables and fruits and has begun eating Cheerios and Puffs. Now if we can just get him to sleep through the night...

December Fun

We had lots of fun throughout the month of December seeing Santa Claus (James and Hayes even sat on his lap), watching a live nativity (with a baby doll Jesus), and even playing in the pool on an 80 degree December day. Dan's company held a small Christmas party out on a little island. The kids enjoyed the bon fire and toasted marshmallows and hot dogs.

Fun with Aunt Alicia

Aunt Alicia came in a week before Christmas to spend time with us all. The kids loved every minute with her, making gingerbread houses, cookies, watching Christmas movies, and playing games. She brought us lots of cool presents from her trip to Australia.

Halle's Holiday Performance

Halle's school put on a holiday performance composed of the pre kindergarten through first grade classes. Her class (pre kindergarten) sang Feliz Navidad, Burn Candles Burn and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. James enjoyed watching all the different children perform. By the end of the first grade performance, Halle and James inched their way on stage and tried to blend in with the big kids. Amanda was forced to remove them from the stage and bring them back to the audience. It was a good laugh for us all.

Halle's School Days

Dan joined Halle one morning for Donuts for Dads at her school. Her last day of school before Christmas break was pajama day at her school. Her teacher, Mrs. Woods, invited her mother and brother to join their class for the day. We had so much fun and even got a quick visit from Santa. This was also the same day that Mama saw James write his name for the first time!

Bluffton Christmas Parade 2008

Every year we look forward to the Bluffton Christmas parade. It's always a nice reminder of what a small, cozy, and ecclectic town we live in. James loved the bands and the loud cars. He was so excited to see Santa on the fire truck at the end. Halle had to make a bathroom break and was able to see Santa pulling away. Hayes loved all the comotion and noise. Gram and Papa joined us. Papa was great at getting candy for kids after it was thrown from various floats. This parade is always a great start to the holiday season.