Christmas

Because Ansley is still so new, we decided not to travel to see family this Christmas.  My parents were supposed to come for a visit on my birthday and stay for the holiday, but unfortunately they were unable to.  Which meant that our new little family of four celebrated the day alone.  But it was nice to work on building our own traditions, starting with a really beautiful candlelight service on Christmas Eve at our church. We bought tamales at a local eatery for dinner that night to help create our New Mexico Christmas.  After Liam went to bed we stayed up and watched Christmas movies while we wrapped gifts. 

The next morning we took our time opening presents, drinking coffee and hot chocolate and enjoying the day. This was the first year that Liam actually started to "get" Christmas.  We spent lots of time differentiating the birth of Jesus and Santa Clause.  And last year he had absolutely no interest in actually opening gifts.  But this year was totally different and he had spent weeks asking to open the gifts that had accumulated under the tree.  I have to admit, we got a little lazy on Christmas night and opted for Chinese takeout instead of making our own meal. Here are some pictures of our day!

Posing with his new plasma car from the Martinez Grandparents.  The best part is that it can hold up to 220 pounds so Eric and I have both been riding it!

Liam is OBSESSED with Cars.  Many of his toys this year are centered around the movie. 

We bought Liam a mini air hockey table.  Eric and I actually got pretty competitive playing the night before Christmas!

Harmonica from the Pate Grandparents. I love on 30 Rock how Kenneth calls it a "mouth radio" so that I was I have been calling it.

Dado cubes.  Hours of fun!

Mommy and Ansley sans makeup

"Where's my loot?"

Awesome gift basket from Eric's parents.  It is all products from New Mexico including wines, cookies, salsas, etc. They wanted us to have a piece of home for the holidays.  It even came in an old apple crate from a farm in New Mexico that had been devastated by fire this year.  One of the best, most thought out gifts EVER!

Cars guitar from Grandma Becky and Grandpa Ron.  This was in addition to his harmonica and a little piano.  Let's just say that our house is filled with...joyful noise these days!