December 28, 2018

Christmas in Cary

We spent this Christmas in Cary with my family.  We had a wonderful time with family we haven't seen in a while and just relaxing.  Ethan was able to meet his Uncle Andrew for the first time!  It was so very fun to watch Harper get excited about Christmas, Santa and the spirit of giving (and receiving).  It was an amazing Christmas!
   
Harper the ladybug 
 
Ethan had his first sink bath at Gigi and Poppy's house.
 
The number one thing Harper wanted to do was bake cookies.  She made the tastiest sugar cookies with Gigi for Santa.
    
 
She really likes pink sprinkles. 
 
We had dinner at Grandma's house one of the nights we were in town.  It has become a tradition!  We have yummy appetizers, eggnog, and an amazing dinner.  We started a new tradition this year too - reading a Christmas book together.
    
 
Gigi read the Christmas story.
 
My parents had their annual Christmas Eve party.  I spend all year looking forward to this party.  It is so strange that Alex and I are the ones with the youngest kids now!  
 
The mantle is getting a little crowded! 
     
Harper played all night with the big kids.  They were so cute!
 
Ramesh and Ethan have the same birthday!
   
   
   
 
We were so lucky to have Andrew and Lisa this year.
 
Sleepy Ethan and Tessa
 
Katherine and the Little Man
    
 
Cousin exchange!
 
The youngest always starts the gift exchange.  Harper helped Ethan deliver his package.
 
She did a great job faking out the delivery.  
     
 
Harper got dinosaur books and a little brontosaurus.  
 
After the cousin exchange, the adults play for The Last Gift.
   
   
   
It is always an intense game!
 
The party cousins this year!
 
Christmas morning!
    
   
    
    
    
    
    
 
The Christmas babies
    
 
We enjoyed Grandma's Christmas breakfast after presents.
 
Harper got a lot of new books to read this year!
      
     

December 17, 2018

Botanical Christmas 2018

We went to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens to see the Christmas lights last night.  This year, we added three babies to the club!  It was Ethan and Jack's first appearance and also this year we welcomed Kate and Sean with their little Fitz.  We love our annual Christmas tradition!
    
Harper fell asleep on the way to the gardens and took a while to wake up.
      
 Little man was ready for a night outside!  Luckily, it was a pretty warm night.
     
    
    
The Queen and King!
     
    
    
Our annual tree photo!
    
     
We made smores this year!
    
    
     
    
    
Holding hands! 
       
     
     
     
Santa Claus was not there, but Mrs. Claus was ready for photos!
     
    
Harper told Mrs. Claus she wants a horse for Christmas!?
      
     
     
Merry Christmas!