Christmas Day with Grandpa G

We (me, Shelby, Eli, Sara, Alison, and Casey) went to see Grandpa G on Christmas Day.  I didn't get to hold Alison the last time I saw her, so I made sure I had plenty of time with her today.

This may have been the first time Mike got to hold Alison???

Christmas Day at Nana and Pa's House

Eli was so excited that Cody was going to be a Nana and Pa's house on Christmas day.  Mom made us something to eat.  The entire time that we were eating, Eli reminded us that there were presents to be opened.  We finally go around to it.

Cody's preset to Eli was perfect.  He uses (abuses) them all of the time.

Brothers...

Christmas Eve at Memaw's House

Helping Nana and Pa Decorate for Christmas

We all went over the Nana and Pa's house to help them decorate for Christmas.  Eli helped set up the tree and put up Christmas stickers.

 

While we were there, Eli had to do two things that he does everywhere we go.

Fight...

and act silly...

The Ice Skating Incident

Eli's homeschool co-op had their Christmas party at an ice skating rink.  Of course I was working so I couldn't be there.  From what I understand, he had a great time.  When we've gone ice skating in the past, he wouldn't let go of the wall.  This place had pickle buckets that the kids could hold on to while skating around.  I'm not sure exactly how it happened, but somehow Eli fell forward and hit his chin on the buckets.  He didn't think much of it until Shelby took him to the bathroom to clean him up, and he saw himself and all of the blood in the mirror.  She said that he never really got too upset under the circumstances. 

She took him to the hospital and I left work and met them there.  He ended up getting two stitches in his chin.  He was so brave the entire time.  He never cried or even got upset.  What a brave guy!!

Eli with Santa!

The city of Independence had what they called the 'Christmas Walk'.  Most of the shops and businesses had decorations and were open to the public.  Some had model trains set up, most had food and hot chocolate (which I had way too much of), and Santa was at the police department.  Last year, Eli wouldn't even come close to Santa so I was thinking the same thing would happen this year.  Shelby and I decided not to talk about it, just got in line to see what he would do.  When he was next in line, he was getting a little nervous.  But when it was his turn, he jumped right up on Santa's lap and started telling him what he wanted for Christmas (xbox Kinect was one of them and Santa delivered as promised).

Eli Playing in the Snow

Shelby took some pictures of Eli playing in the snow.  Eli loves being in the snow and won't come in until someone makes him.  If it's hot outside, we can't get him to go out and play.

Eli with the Camera

Eli likes to take pictures almost as much as I do.  I love to see his pictures because it shows me how he sees things and what is picture-worthy to him.

8th Wedding Anniversary!

Today is our 8th anniversary.  We didn't get to celebrate it because Alison was born today.  There are very few good reasons to not celebrate an anniversary, and I guess the birth of a new family member is one of them!  Shelby and Eli were at the hospital for most of the day.  I was working so I stopped by for a couple hours in the afternoon and had to go back to work.  I came back later that evening once Alison was born.  I'm hoping we'll find time this weekend to celebrate.

Shelby - I just can't believe how blessed I am.  If I made one good decision in my life, it was marrying you.  I love being with you...even if we're just hanging out, watching TV, or whatever...I just feel better when we're together.  I look forward to growing old with you and always having you by my side.  I love you.

Alison Catherine Moore - Welcome to the World

She was born on our 8th wedding anniversary!

  



In several of the pictures that I took, Alison was looking right into Sara's eyes.  It's unbelievable how they are naturally drawn to their mommy's face.

Grandma giving a goodbye kiss

Proud Daddy

She was not happy about the camera flash



Eli was at the hospital for several hours and he was so good!  Thank you Eli for being such a good boy.  I'm so proud of you.