Merry Christmas, Part 2

The Christmas celebration continued with a trip up north to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Eli loved playing with his cousins, visiting the cows on his great uncle's dairy farm, and, of course, opening presents. After a whole month of leaving alone the wrapped gifts under the tree, Eli thoroughly enjoyed ripping his presents open on Christmas (and probably would have opened everyone else's presents if he had been allowed to!).


Snack time for all the boys


Cousin Noah is so funny!


Grandpa and the boys, ready for Christmas Eve service


Merry Christmas!


Up bright and early on Christmas morning


I'll help you open that, Daddy


Helping Grandma open her present


Choo choo!


Visiting the cows


Cozy-ing up with Daddy before Christmas dinner

Merry Christmas, Part 1

Turns out that when you are one year old, you get to celebrate Christmas many times. Eli's first celebration this season was at home with Mommy and Daddy. Santa even came to our house early so that he did not have to drop presents at Grandma's (and so Daddy did not have to find space to pack them in the car on the way home). Eli was excited about his new toys, and definitely enjoyed ripping the paper off his presents.


Getting the hang of this opening presents thing


Ooh - trucks!


Getting a driving lesson from Daddy


Choo Choo!

Christmas Sweet Treats

Leading up to Christmas, Eli pulled out his spoons and bowls to help Mommy and her friends make Christmas cookies. Eli did help with some tasting, although he mostly enjoyed playing with his friends.


Helping in the kitchen


Taking a break to point out the fireplace

Wrapping Up Christmas Preparations

Eli has been helping Mommy get our remaining Christmas preparations in order. Sometimes he helps by taking a nice, long nap, other times he is a bit more hands on. Recently, he helped wrap presents for his cousins.


Getting everything wrapped up


My favorite part is the tape


Perfect!

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Eli has been fitting in a lot of Christmas fun this week with visits to the capitol Christmas tree and going to meet Santa Claus. Eli thought that the Christmas tree was very cool; it is so tall and glow-y and has a real train zooming around its base. Eli was not as enthusiastic about Santa. Although Santa was very friendly, Eli preferred to visit with Santa from the safety of Mommy's arms. Even without the traditional picture on Santa's lap, Christmas fun was had by all!


Waiting for the train to come around


Practicing some Santa moves


Ready to go meet Santa


Checking out the gingerbread men (and women) with Grandma


Saying hello...from a distance...

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Christmas preparations have begun at the Brasel home, and this year Eli is a much more active participant in the holiday traditions. He saw his first parade, the Christmas parade in Grandma and Grandpa's city. He helped Mommy and Daddy select and cut down the perfect Christmas tree. Eli supervised while Daddy and Mommy hung the tree lights, and enjoys looking at all the ornaments with Mommy. Fa la la la la...Christmas fun has begun!

Christmas Parade


Getting bundled up for the parade


Finding a good spot to watch


Snuggling with Mommy and Grandma


Mesmerized by all the sights


Cutting Down a Christmas Tree


I think I saw a good one this way


Cutting down the tree with Daddy


How are we going to get this thing to the car?!


There's a tree on our car!!


Trimming the Tree


The whole family is helping this year


Is that tree going to fit in here?


Helping hang lights


Whoa, this tree is tall!


Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...

Turkey Day at Grandma and Grandpa's House

Eli (and his parents) spent Thanksgiving weekend at his grandma and grandpa's house. It was a weekend filled with family fun, yummy food, and giving thanks for all our blessings.


Helping Grandma cook Thanksgiving dinner


Let's eat!


Leading the walk through the park


Set...hike!


Showing Uncle P where the birds come to eat


Exploring Aunt C's purse


See the moose on my shirt


Just relaxin'

Give Thanks!

A very happy Thanksgiving to all! As we pause to count our many, many blessings, here are a few images of someone we're very thankful for - we love you, Eli!


Busy boy


Eli gives Clifford a snuggle


Mmm...french toast with blueberry sauce


Not so sure about the school being represented, but a cute kiddo!

Showering Aunt T and Baby with Love

Eli joined the ladies at Aunt Tina's baby shower to celebrate the soon-to-be mama and little cousin. Eli enjoyed watching all the other kiddos and seeing his relatives.


Hanging out with Great-Grandma


After the shower, exploring the items in Aunt C's purse