Most Memorable Christmas Yet

This Christmas was my most favorite yet. Last Christmas was very special as it was Anlon's first. But at 5 months old, he didn't quite get what all of the fuss was about. Of course, at 17 months now, he doesn't fully understand everything either. But we had so much fun with him this year.

On Christmas Eve, we had a wonderful brunch with the Johnston's. They are our Tampa family and it is always a special time with them. Anlon was tired (no morning nap) but still managed to eat very well!

That evening we enjoyed Christmas Eve service at our church. Last year he slept through most of the service. But this year he was wide awake and had a blast! He loved the music and all of the excitement. And reaching back and forth to take turns being held by Vipul and me was a lot of fun too. He got pretty sleepy towards the end, but was still so sweet.

We continued our tradition of being in our home on Christmas morning. Anlon enjoyed his presents, but honestly loved just playing around all of the wrapping paper and interacting with us. He especially enjoyed my gift from Vipul and got up close to the tv as the special video was played. And he immediately smiled and recognized himself in the drawing.

Later that morning, we left for High Springs to visit with my mom and family. Since Anlon hadn't taken his morning nap yet, he was tired and ended up sleeping for most of the trip. He didn't cry until we were almost there. It was so nice to see my family. Before enjoying a delicious lunch (my mom made so many amazing things, along with my aunt and uncle), we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Anlon loved time with my mom (Nana) and had a blast playing with the other little ones.

Anlon (17 mo) and Karsten (16 mo) are exactly 1 month apart to the day. They had SO much fun together!!!

He thought it was hilarious to chase Dylan from one side of the couch to the other!

At this point he was pretty worn out!

We spent Christmas night at my mom's house and opened our presents after Anlon went to sleep. My mom put so much thought into our gift. There were 5 gifts to open and each one had a note attached.

The notes read "Working Together", "Light Entertainment", "De-Stressor", "Relaxing Morning" and "Romantic Evening". And each box contained gifts that supported these topics. For example, the "Working Together" box contained a deep-dish pizza pan, pizza spatula and recipes to try and the "Romantic Evening" box contained crystal candlestick holders and a Bern's Steakhouse gift card. She really blew us away with her thoughtful, generous gifts.

Our main gift to my mom was this canvas that we had made from a recent picture of Anlon and me.

The next day it was Anlon's turn! Nana gave him some very special gifts too. This rocking horse sings and talks, and his mouth even moves! He also got a beautiful nativity ornament made out of olive wood from Bethlehem and two very special books. Vipul was especially excited about the My Daddy and Me book.

Around this time, Anlon began doing something that he hasn't done before - flopping down on his back in the middle of playing! At first we thought he was laying down to see the pony's mouth move, but he did it later too. It was so funny!!

Aunt Linda also made him a very, very special stocking. It took her many hours to make - the detail is absolutely amazing.

He had a blast playing with my mom. Leo the lion has become his absolutely favorite stuffed animal. My mom gave it to him when he was less than a month old, but he didn't get too much attention until the last couple of weeks. Now they are inseparable. 

 We had a wonderful time with my mom. It was by far our most memorable Christmas yet.