The Holiday Season!

Christmas is in the air! Hello all, and welcome to the wonderful world of Addy and Daddy. Hope that everyone is enjoying their Christmas season thus far, as I know that we are.

This year is Addy's first Christmas, obviously, and we are truly excited. While I believe that the hundreds of dollars spent on her toys and gifts will be overlooked for the joys of the ribbons and wrapping paper, I am very excited to experience this 1st Christmas as a family.

To get Addy into the Christmas spirit, we decided we would take her to the mall to see jolly ole' St. Nick himself. Below is what the outcome was:

Y'all think I am enjoying this?

It was fun. She didn't cry, but she did get this look on her face like "Why is this guy holding me, and how long are you going to let me sit here?" Like I said before, she didn't cry, but maybe it was because I recognized the subtle little cues she gives before she enters full-on "beast mode". A little drool starts coming out (as seen in the photo), she would look at santa, then back to me, then to santa, then to me, as if to say, "This is not you, and I know that", and she makes her hands into little fists, and I mean white knuckle fists. So maybe Daddy snatched her off the old man's leg before she reached that point.

After finally overcoming my anger/surprise that a picture with Santa these days will run you $22.41, and the bewilderment I had that the ladies working seemed very perplexed that I wanted to actually look at my picture before buying it, we were out of the mall, and on to bigger and better things.

We painted our first ornaments as a family, a tradition that I grew up doing and look forward to continuing with Addy, Kelly, and my future children. Just so you guys know, I once painted a little nutcracker soldier when I was around the age of 8 or so that would have made Picasso cry...and I don't mean good tears. Why my parents didn't push art, you would know by taking one look at that ornament. All in good fun though, and I like to think I've progressed.

For your amusement, check out my sweet soldier:

BOOM! Even the soldier shed a few tears...

These guys are the ornaments that we did for 2011:

Kelly's Ornament

Sam's Ornament

Addy's Ornament
(Painted by Daddy)

Hall Family Ornament 2011

We are excited to spend the holidays with our families, making memories that will last forever. I know though, that I will ALWAYS remember our first true "Family Christmas".

Until next time. Merry Christmas.

Blessings,
-SH

'Tis The Season

Hello friends. Hope that all is well this Holiday Season. As for us, it has been eventful.

We rolled through Halloween with not much action; Addy dressed up for all of 15 seconds, and we thought we wouldn't have any trick-or-treaters because last year we had 1, so we cut back on the candy, and wouldn't you know...Let's just say this, I had to go to the pantry and get fruit snacks to give the last few kids. I couldn't send them away empty handed. So if by some miracle you are the parent of one of those children and you found your way to my blog, I'm sorry, and feel free to stop by for a snickers or kit-kat, because let's face it, you know when your child dumped out his/her candy you were like "Wow, who gives out fruit snacks". Guilty.

I digress...

We hit Thanksgiving, and it was a little bittersweet this year. We usually are home with both sides of the family, relaxing and most of all WATCHING them cook. However, Kelly had to work Thanksgiving day this year, so we stayed at the house, I tried my hand at making a turkey, and Addy tried her hands, literally, into the mash potatoes and sweet potatoes. I like to think I make some mean sweet potatoes because Addy wouldn't eat the sweet potato Kelly made her, but Kelly says it's all the brown sugar that was on them. Agree to Disagree. Needless to say it turned out well, and Kelly and I created our first family Thanksgiving.

Now is the Christmas season, and this is one our family really enjoys. We went and got some family pictures done, along with Addy's individuals, since were are a little behind, and they turned out awesome. So for our family that may see a picture on here, and under the tree, act surprised.

We made our first Christmas card this year, and they turned out great. Kelly has been begging to put up decorations since Halloween, but I am a firm believer in giving thanks for our blessings through Thanksgiving, then we can put the decorations up the Friday after. It's always important to give thanks, and much more remember where our blessings come from.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE HALL'S

Anyways, the tree is up, lights are on the house, and in the house, and there are a few presents under the tree. Addy is fascinated by the lights, and good thing she doesn't move around too well because our tree would be destroyed. She loves the grinch, and Max his little dog, and it made me smile to show her the lights on the house and watch her smile. I know what you are thinking...but I say she can see them and knows exactly what they are.

A little about Addy...

She has officially moved into her crib in her room. While it is nice to have my room back, I miss the little beast being right there. Even though she is 15 feet away, if something were to happen it seems that I couldn't get there fast enough. However, no more tip-toeing around the room in the dark, walking stiff legged to prevent my ankles from popping, and most of all being able to flush the toilet without fear of Addy waking up. Just kidding about the last part...but really, she would wake up.

I love my little family, and I know that this year is the first of many wonderful holiday seasons. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and never forget the true meaning of the season.

Until next time...

Blessings,
-SH