Christmas 2010

It is hard to believe Christmas has come and gone.  But the memories will live on forever!  This was a fun year for the Bolins.  Eli was getting used to the idea of Santa Claus.  It was sooo funny on Christmas Eve morning when we had our Christmas, he did not want to go into the living room to see what Santa had left.  He was afraid that Santa was still in there.  I had to coax him out by calling him from the living room. 

These are our Christmas trees--one in the living room, one in Eli's room and my Barbie-themed tree in the dining room.

Our Christmas celebration started on Wednesday, December 22nd when we had the Hicks family Christmas at Nana and Papaw Ledford's house. 

Nana had purchased matching p.j.'s for the little ones to wear for Christmas so we had them try them on for a quick photo!  Thanks Mom!!

This photo of Harper somehow reminds me of Cindy Lou Who. I guess it is the big bow in her hair....  It is a beautiful photo of my pretty little niece!

Jones

Winston

I can't believe I didn't get a photo of Fletcher--not sure why!


The next day we celebrated Harper's 3rd Birthday at her Breakfast with Santa on Thursday, December 23rd! This was the first year that we were able to participate on her special occasion since her actual birthday is on December 26 and we have manged to be out of town each year. Here are a few photos from her party...

Before going to bed, Ken read the Christmas story out of the Bible.  This is such a good tradition to keep the focus on the real meaning of the season.  Ken's dad also does this before the family opens any gifts.

As I already mentioned, we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve Morning at our house before leaving for Virginia later that afternoon.    Eli really enjoyed what Santa left for him in the middle of our living room floor, but I think Daddy enjoyed it just as much!

We arrived in Carrollton, VA (Hampton Roads Area) on Christmas Day to spend Christmas with Ken's family.  I thought it was pretty cool that the grandkid's stockings which were hung in the order of birth--Chandler, Austin, Kyle, Eli spelled CAKE!

Eli enjoyed playing with his Cousins. This is Chandler and Eli.

Aunt Tracea and Uncle Mike

The Bolin Clan!

Virginia also got their share of the snow, but it didn't start until Christmas night. These were taken two days later.  I love the snow covered Manger scene!

Cookie Exchange

This post is about one of my favorite things to do at Christmas time.  I thought I would share some photos from my recent Cookie Exchange.  We enjoyed tasting, fellowship and exchanging the tasty treats!  Congrats to Dawn for receiving the vote for "Best Cookie" this year.  She made Chocolate Chip Meringue cookies.

Christie's Chocolate Covered Pretzels made a beautiful presentation

Kim, Kristy, Anna, Candace, Me, Christie, Dawn and Jenny

Our Little Angel!

Wow, I have had to add six new posts today to bring you up to date!  Make sure you browse through the others.

This morning our Childrens' Department at church presented their Christmas musical "Back to the Manger."  The two and three-year old's were the little angels, complete with halos and wings (so cute!).  I wasn't able to get a very good photo of Eli, but will give you what I got....

Eli is the little angel running around in the bottom, left-hand corner...

Here you can see the back of him with his angel wings

After the musical, Eli had his photo taken with his friend Abigail who was also an angel in the production

Eli and cousin Harper in their Santa attire

Daddy, Eli and Moma

Daddy and Eli

I have included some video that Ken took. The quality isn't the best and we didn't have the best view from where we were sitting. Anyway, just look for him in the black/white checked john-john with a Santa face. He is one of the last ones coming down the aisle. Also, he is runner on the far left once he gets in place. You'll see him clapping at the end in the second clip.

Parade

Cleveland's annual Christmas Parade was held on Saturday, December 4. It was a cold and windy night. It was also threatening to rain. We particularly wanted to go since Papaw Alphus was driving one of his antique tractors in the parade. As it turns out, Nana was also in the parade riding in a ski boat (she wore her bikini under her long johns and coat, ha!).

Eli and Moma waiting for the parade to begin

Daddy and Eli watching the parade

Nana in the parade

Eli

Random float in the parade

Evening with Santa

On Thursday, December 2, we attended the annual Evening with Santa at Life Care. This is a special Christmas party geared to the children of Life Care Associates. Eli wasn't too sure about Santa this year once he made his appearance that night. He had to be reassured that it was okay to sit in his lap. So when it was our turn to see Santa, Eli did sit on his lap and told Santa he wanted a "Choo Choo." It was so cute because Eli warmed up to Santa so much that he didn't want to get down. When he finally did get down, he started blowing him kisses! Santa just happens to be my co-worker Ron Derrick.

In this photo Eli is hesitant to visit with Santa--he is watching him carefully

Next, we had to warm up to Santa before agreeing to sit on his lap

In the lap, but still not too comfortable

Finally, he warms up to Santa

Now they act like best buddies

Here Santa is repeating "Choo Choo" since this is what Eli asked him to bring

A few more random photos...