Christmas: Part One

Christmas was a lot different this time from a year ago. For one thing, we drove up to Indiana and Ohio to visit my family as well as having our own family Christmases in Newnan, Fayetteville and Rome. We even have one more celebration to go this weekend in Alabama! But on top of the traveling, it was like a whole new world watching Benton really get into the holidays. He had a blast playing with all of his grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles and was really excited by the presents, junk food and decorations.

In an effort to document all the fun so that our family can see it all, I'm going to have to do more than one post. Sorry, but there's a lot to cover.

Our first party was the Hassell family Christmas in Rome. We got to celebrate with Granny C, PawPaw Rick, Aunt Sunny, Aunt Heather and Uncle Scott and Benton's cousin Cooper.

Apparently there was no need to buy these boys any new toys 

because they were pretty happy with this basket full of old Hot Wheels.

Cute boys in their Santa hats.

 Opening a present, one shred of wrapping paper at a time.

 This kid LOVES his new Let's Rock Elmo.

 Roasting marshmallows in the fire pit.

 All those new toys but they're playing with the cardboard box. 

They loved Pawpaw Rick pulling them in the sled.

 The sled quickly turned into a bed. Worn out!

A few days later, we had Christmas with the Stanleys in Fayetteville. It was nice to be all together in one place. It doesn't happen often!

Still trying to figure out the best way to open a gift.

 He got a turtle Pillow Pet and immediately laid down on it.

 New Georgia jacket!

 Reading a new farm book with Nana. He calls it "EIEIO."

 Cookie Monster music player. 

 He's not mad about the bow on his head, he's mad about the gift bag.

If it's not wrapped in shiny paper and tape, he doesn't want to open it.

 All the kids opening stockings. One of my favorite Christmas traditions!

 Pretending to cuddle with Uncle Zach so he can steal all the candy.

On Christmas morning, we woke up at home to see what Santa brought. Benton was amazed!

 We made him wait to open presents so we could have our 

second annual Christmas breakfast at Waffle House.

 I'll have one of everything, please.

 Then it was time to go home and dig in. He was excited about every single thing he opened.

New shoes!

 Oooh, a potty. 

 Plain white onesies!

 Seriously. He even loved the socks.

 Now we're talking. Aquadoodle is fun.

 Really intrigued by the big box.

 It was a grill!

 Taking after Daddy and cooking some hamburgers.

 New hat and mittens. Those served us well on our trip. More on that soon!