Christmas Blessings

Christmas 2008 was a fairly relaxing, cozy holiday for the Baldrys'.

We spent lots of time this past Christmas season singing Christmas carols, which, among the favorites are....
1. Away in a Manager
2. Drummer Boy (Rum, pum, pum, pum)
3. Jingle Bells


Reading stories of baby Jesus and the story of Bethlehem,

(and Thomas the train too)

spreading holiday cheer...

Here are some pics to summarize our festivities, spent with family...

(don't let my face fool you.... I lit up as soon as Brother Bede walked in the door... I'm just not real good at "performing" for the camera to capture that excitement)

Loungin'

opening presents...too, too many presents...

(I even like trying out my mommy's presents!)

"rum pum, pum.... me and my drum" (one happy little drummer boy).
Who in their right mind asks for a drum set for their 2 y.o. child??

(this is actually mine that Hannah likes to "take over" whenever I try to give a concert....)

Happy New Year Friends!

double trouble

Me and my sidekick! I have gotten LOTS of opportunity to play with my cousin, Drew, this week. You would think that after 4 days in a row we would run out of energy...

NOPE!

early celebrations

Due to hectic scheduling around this time of year, we have made it an annual habit to celebrate with our extended family early, so as not to make the Christmas holiday too hectic.

Drew and I definitely are starting to get a little rambunctous! when we're all together.
That's what boys do best, right?

With about 30 people all in one room, Hannah has taken on the role of observer. She just takes it all in....

Then, after watching us open presents....



She got brave and started to do a little paper-tearing herself...

I think we'll be ready for Santa Clause now!

I've been practicing my birthday song for baby Jesus and learning lots about Bethlehem and the 3 wiseman. Don't forget the real reason for the season!

My first cousin sleep over

first pig-tails

Mommy has been anxious for a long time for Hannah-bear's hair to grow long enough to be able to do something "girly" with it. So, today was the day Hannah got her first pig tails.

Of course, I had to get in on it too :-)

What's the expression??? Monkey see monkey do? (fitting)

Deck the Halls - Fa La La La La La La La La

I remember having a tree in our house last year, but I don't remember having this much fun decorating! I think I'm starting to catch on to the Christmas spirit! Mommy and Daddy told me the story of baby Jesus and the manager.... so now I proudly relay my version of the story - "baby Jesus rode a donkey"...

Not only did I get to help cut down the tree this year (AND carry the saw all by "me-self"), but I got to help put up the lights and ornaments....

(I take my job very seriously)

AND I even got to climb the ladder!

Hannah wasn't really all that intrigued, which, is probably a good thing. too much curiosity can be dangerous when it comes to trees and lights and ornaments...

Although, she did take a liking to being one of Santa's elves...

Do you think I make a good Rudolph?

And nothing makes it feel like Christmas more than a good snowfall. I absolutely love to shovel, so here's a few pictures of my "fan club"...