Goodbye, 2011...you were so good to us

HELLO, 2012...

But, first..we must reminisce December..

...as it was our most fun (and busy) month to date! We have been so busy doing every Christmas/holiday activity that we could possibly squeeze into one (too short) month. To be honest, it felt like a Christmas on steroids - haha! Here are some of the many things we have been up to....

rainy day fun w/ Bailee..

we took Jackson on a carriage ride around downtown Bellefonte!

we think he had fun, minus the fact that he had to wear his snowsuit ;)

the horses were beautiful! We love downtown Bellefonte! It is so quaint, and each year they have a Historic Christmas Celebration, which we enjoy!

"um...didn't I already see this dude?"

"this time, I am not nearly as excited"

santa's reindeer...so cute!

the year that Jack got to open his presents twice. Once when they came in the mail, and again on Christmas morning...this was fun until he decided to pop one of those peanuts in his mouth, and I almost had a heart attack.

loving the feel of the (fake) needles!

he also pulled a light off of the tree and attempted to eat it...  Christmas taught us that we cannot take our eyes off our little man.. and so it begins.

 We decided to have our own "W" Christmas celebration....with just the three of us... we pretended it was Christmas, the Saturday before "the real deal", and really enjoyed starting our own family traditions. 

on Christmas Eve we decided that "the elves" would make a special visit with a Christmas story, ornament and matching Christmas PJ's for everyone!

"they" even brought mommy and daddy some new sleepwear! Yeehaw!

the first of many years to come.. 

he looks thrilled, right? not so much...

well, until he figured out that he could eat the wrapping paper (his diet for the last week and a half- wrapping paper and tissue paper).

"YESSS...I love the red polka dot kind"

apparently the basket is edible, too...

So, we read a Christmas story, left Santa a treat ..and off to bed we went... 

there was just one little problem...we didn't have any cookies...so, we left Santa Jack's famous Mum Mum's and dissolvable puffs... (and just for the record, that is 1% milk..not breastmilk ;))

Santa's hand must have been tired...
This letter surely made me tear up!

Merry 1st Christmas, Jackson!

"all for meeeeeee??"

Jack got a big boy carseat, but seems more interested with the ornament he pulled off the tree

Where in the world did that baby go!??

of course Bailee had to join in on the fun!

the cat didn't come with the toy ;)

Deep breath..phew. Following our little family Christmas, we organized a holiday lunch for all of Luke's soldiers. We were able to receive some donations from around State College, which helped us put on a hot luncheon. Honey Baked Hams, in State College, donated TWO 10lb hams! It surely helped us out, and was hopefully appreciated by all! Luke and I made some of the sides and desserts, so we were busy every night after Jack went to bed. It was actually a lot of fun! We just played Christmas music, and baked. Some how baking puts you in the holiday spirit..it must be why there are always baked goods coming out of your ears during Christmas..everyone loves to do it! The  day after our Christmas party, we drove home for the holiday weekend. The pictures should tell the rest...

"Oh really, Mom, you thought that I was actually going to sleep well in Sayre? muahaha" 

my new wheels!

my new weights from Uncle Patrick and Jenna (.2lbs)

my other new set of wheels!

driving and reclining all in one day!

"you better hold on to me, Jenna...or I like to face plant!"

this is my favorite picture!

yes, he is standing ( my life is over)

this should make anyone smile! 

so long Christmas 2011...

FYI- the only reason this is so long is because I am really, really putting off unpacking ALL of the bags/presents (all of which filled up the entire box of Luke's truck)...