Thursday, January 1, 2009

The Christmas Post

WARNING: The following post contains A LOT of pictures, read at your own risk!
So I was just going to insert one of those slide shows but because I'm using this as my family journal/scrapbook and plan to turn this into a book I'm just including all of the pictures. We had a busy Christmas Holiday with lots of fun party's! It started with my family on the 23rd. We all went to my brother Steve's house and had a traditional Mexican dinner:), followed by the cousin gift exchange and then the adult white elephant exchange. I always love to get together with my family and this was no exception, we had a great time. Lot's of food, laughs, and good times!

Luke chillin' with his buddy Hailey
Luke trying to say hi to his cousin Shay, I'm not sure she liked it!
Luke opening his present from his cousin A.C.
A.C. got Luke a little brother, this red Tribot (it was a big hit!)
Hailey giving the tribot a hug
Eric got the dreaded huge white elephant gift, Hailey loved it!
On Christmas Eve Day we went to Barrett's mom's house to exchange gifts and have a little gathering. Luke thinks he the king when he's at Grandma's house!

Luke checking out Grandma's present
Opening a present from Grandma
He was so excited to get blocks (that is his happy face)

After Barrett's mom's we headed to Alpine to my Aunt Tove's house to have our traditional Norwegian Christmas party where we enjoy Norwegian food and do the traditional dance around the Christmas tree. For those of you reading this that are trying to picture us dance around the tree, it is more of just holding hands, walking around the tree, singing a traditional song, and doing the actions along with song. Sounds corny, but it is a fun tradition that I'm glad we get to participate in. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures from this party, I'll have to see if I can some later from my sister.
After Alpine we headed home and Barrett's dad came up along with his girlfriend, Vi. We had some snacks and opened presents and pretty much just let Luke entertain us!
Luke and Grandpa reading the instructions for his new train
Luke loved the train that Grandpa got him
Luke and Barrett in their new jackets from Vi

Christmas morning finally came. We were up late the night before putting together Luke's gifts with Barrett's mom who slept over at our house. Luke was so cute, he would see one toy and play with it then look at another and play with that one, then run back to the first. He was just so excited he didn't know what to do! This was a really fun Christmas because Luke actually somewhat knew what was going on and was so much to watch all of his reactions. By the way, all of these pictures were taken with mine and Barrett's present to each other, a new Canon Rebel XS DSLR camera (I love it)!
Luke rounding the corner to see his presents
He was more excited than he looks here
Checking out his Bounce 'n Spin Pony
First ride on his pony (that's his happy face)
Checking out his animal kingdom thing
Back to the pony for another ride
Finally checking out what was in his stocking
Opening his light saber

Trying out his tool set
Back to the animals
Taking a break to read a book
Then it was back to Barrett's mom's to for more presents and the chance to talk to Barrett's brother, Lincoln, who is on a mission in Chile. It was great to talk to Linc and spend more time with Barrett's brothers and sister.



We spent the day after Christmas cleaning up and playing with toys. It was a great Christmas and I'm so thankful I was able to spend it with Barrett and Luke!
Luke helping me unload the dishwasher




4 comments:

ern said...

yay! i loved the chrismas post!! and especially the pictures, no way you could ever have too many. looks like everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, although i admit i am jealous at all the family things you get to do at christmas. sometimes it feels like WE'RE on a mission here, so far away from everyone! i hope your new camera gets put to a lot of use for the blog... :)

Heather said...

Becca those are such cute pictures. I need a copy of those pictures of Hailey and Luke from the Seljaas Party. It is fun to see them together. They are great little friends. I think he is her favorite cousin!!

natalie palmer said...

oh my word! that boy just keeps getting cuter and cuter. so you know how he and scott are practically twins?? well scott also has some of the same p.j.'s as luke! how ironic! gotta love costco! :)

jerseygirl said...

Becca, What cute pictures. They ar all so adorable. Looks like you had a great holiday season. So glad we can keep in touch!