Christmas Memories

I was just reminiscing about past Christmases with Carter. It is amazing how fast time goes and how things change so quickly. Carter's first Christmas was filled with presents and family, to the point of exhaustion. Carter's second Christmas was a little easier and still filled with presents and family. I expect this year will be much of the same (presents and family) but this year we understand Santa! He has asked for specific gifts from Santa (rolling Tigger and Mickey Mouse Rollercoaster) and knows that he needs to be good and say nice words in order for Santa to bring him those gifts. Here are some pictures from Carter's first 2 Christmases. Enjoy and Happy Holiday's!
Carter's First Christmas:

The Gift of the Year, the Mickey Mouse Airplane, given to Carter and went home with Brady! He literally would not get off of it and carried it in his lap on the way home.

Our little Cuddle Bug!
Carter's Second Christmas:

Throwback Thursday!

Carter's First Christmas! (as a nudie boy)
Who is that big guy in red?

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Yesterday was Nick's 28th birthday! We had an ok day. First, the Redskins lost (to the worst team in the NFL). Next, Carter was exhausted and cranky all day from his first sleepover with his cousin Brady. Finally, we had dinner plans but because of the exhausted Carter we had to cancel them and got take out from Outback instead. We had cake by ourselves (a football one) and Nick got his presents, Adidas sneakers and an Under Armor shirt for skiing. I am sorry it wasn't a better day for him. To top it all off he is taking his exam today. We Love You Daddy!!!

Swimming!

Carter has been taking swimming lessons for the past two weeks. We signed up for the December mini-session at Kids First Swim School and he has been loving it. He has gotten a lot more comfortable with the water, going under, jumping in, and floating, even on his back! He was sick for one of the classes so we did a make-up on Saturday with Daddy (so I got to take some pictures!)

Christmas Crivella Style

Right after Thanksgiving (I know, what took me so long!) we decorated our house for Christmas. Nick did most of the work and I must say he did a GREAT job! We even got some snow for the perfect Christmas effect! Here are the pics!

The Biggest Redskins Fans...

...Until yesterday!

All Aboard...

The Polar Express!
On December 3rd, Carter, Nick, and I did just that, boarded the Polar Express for a trip to the North Pole, in our PJ's. We departed from The Other Barn in Columbia and took the 10 min or so ride all the way to the North Pole. On the way up to the North Pole we heard the story of the Polar Express and drank "hot" chocolate (chocolate milk) and ate cookies. Once we got to the North Pole we were greeted by a familiar face, Santa Claus! Santa boarded the train and gave all the children the first Christmas gift, a bell from Santa's sleigh! On the ride back we sang Christmas Carols and danced.

Waiting to board the train

Listening to the Polar Express

The North Pole

Santa gave me a sleigh bell!