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