Finished...

Our wall is finally finished.  We added a new 12x12 after each photo session during Emerson's first year.  At first, I couldn't wait for it to be complete.  Now, I'm kind of sad.  However, I think it looks great and Ms Erin did an amazing job taking photos of and for us!

A Christmas Weekend Part 1

With Christmas being on a Sunday this year, we had a very busy weekend.  To start things off, we made our way to Hatton/Muscle Shoals, Alabama on Friday (23rd).  We thought that Emerson might sleep on at least part of the trip being that he usually takes a two hour nap.  Instead of the two hours, he took about a 45 minute nap.  The new view was just too exciting.  Bryant turned Emerson's car seat to face front on Thursday night so this trip was the first time Emerson could look out the windshield.  This made things easier for all of us since both Bryant and I could now sit in the front while still easily tending to Emerson's needs.

Once we checked into and dropped our things off at the hotel, we made our way over to my grandmother's house to see her and my mother.  Emerson got some cute clothes and we had a good time just visiting and playing.  A breaded baked tilapia was our Christmas dinner.  Bryant and I loved it the first time, so I had to make it for them too.  We stayed until Emerson just couldn't play anymore.

We didn't make it out of the house and five minutes down the road before Emerson passed out.  Poor boy was so tired.  After we put Emerson back down in the room, Bryant and I passed out pretty quick too.  It had been a long day.

On Christmas Eve, we were going to meet up with my father before going back over to the house.  While we waited on them, we ate breakfast at McDonalds where Emerson enjoyed part of a biscuit and his first taste of hash brown.  We visited with my father and Sheila for a little while where Emerson got another cute outfit and another toy.  (It makes me happy when they listen to me and buy clothes even though its not as fun!)

We visited with my mother and grandmother for awhile longer and got to see my Aunt Stacy and her granddaughter Paisley.  Emerson finally got to meet another cousin!  We were hoping to get to see her little brother Sawyer, who is two months younger than Emerson, but he was all tuckered out himself.  Later that evening, once Emerson decided he was finally ready to sleep, we began the trek back home.

 

Official Santa Pictures 2011

Santa's Workshop @ Bass Pro Shop in Pearl, MS December 21, 2011

A Christmas Weekend Part 3

After Highland's Christmas Day service, we packed up the presents and headed to Philadelphia.  Since we were attending a 10:50 am service and not our usual 8:30am service, we were leaving on our hour and a half drive during Emerson's nap time.  He only took an hour of his usual nap, but was a trooper for the rest of the afternoon.  He was beginning to feel bad, but wanted to play and have fun.

little piano man

Emerson and Ellington played around for a little while then Papaw arrived and we began opening presents.  While Ellington was very excited about helping to pass out presents and opening them up, Emerson wasn't quite so enthusiastic about the whole thing.  I think the weekend was catching up to him and he was beginning to get sick. Ellington was a precious little helper passing out presents with Reagan and even offering her assistance in opening some of the gifts.  Everyone was very excited and appreciative of their items.  But I think the best part was watching Ellington and Emerson open and play around.

another present?!

showing Gus my push elephant form Grams and Pop

racing to the top of the stairs

After presents, we had a delicious supper.  While it was fun to hang out with everyone there, Emerson was going down hill fast.  Unfortunately, we had to make our way home after supper, but it was a great end to a wonderful Christmas Sunday.  

A Christmas Weekend Part 2

Christmas Day...  This Christmas was much different than last year!  Last year, having an almost 3 week old in the middle of December kept us inside and comfy.  This year we did a lot of traveling!  But Christmas morning at home was much more fun with a one year old that could open his own presents!  (Well, kind of open his own presents.)

 

Santa brought Emerson a deluxe play cube that he did not want to leave alone to open his other gifts.  Nothing like getting to slide pieces along wire mazes, spin gears, spin alphabet blocks, etc. It really was a deluxe play cube. Next we coxed him to open some other presents. We had to assist Emerson in opening the presents, but he did tear them a little. He got a xylophone that could be played in the tub and boats he can float around in the bath as well. There were some wooden blocks and some very cool clothing. Finally in his stocking from Santa he had some small tractors, army trucks and 3 books. After some play time with our new toys we had to get ready for church.

 

helping Daddy

But it's my cube!

taking Daddy's star...these things are a blast!

Highlands had a single worship service Christmas morning at 10:50, which is a little late for us. The regular nursery workers had the day off so Emerson got to visit with a new person and a familiar one, Mrs. Julie the Mothers Morning out director helped out in his room. Mrs. Julie was very impressed with the walking skills Emerson is picking up these days. He is going several steps without falling or sitting down to crawl. He is still a little unsteady, but is learning quickly. Finally it was time to head home to get ready to go visit with Grams, Pop, & the rest of the Jackson/Connerley gang.

Every little kid needs their own set of wooden blocks

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

Since this has been party week, we had to end it on a high note.  Yesterday, was Bomgar's Kids Party.  Yes, that awesome company that happens to employ our hugable, lovable daddy, not only has an adult (employee and spouse) party, they have a party for the kids!

This year, Bryant was so happy that he finally got to take off work early head up to Grand Central (the large boardroom) on the third floor and party it up with the kiddies.  It's always great to hang out with the Bomgar family and especially the accounting crew.  We took some time to go see one of our favorites (Ms Kelli), then headed up stairs.

There were cupcakes and cookies and all kinds of goodies.  Emerson ate quite a few of the Goldfish Colors, green being his favorite ones.  He would eat all the green ones then eat the red and orange ones!  After a nice chat with Mr Phil, Wilson, and Miller, Emerson had to show off his new walking skills and was taking us all over the room.

While some of the older kids decorated cards for the kids at Blair E Batson Children's Hospital, we decided to try Santa one more time...Nope didn't work this time either.  Santa's a scary guy.

It was a wonderful couple hours, then it was time to head home.

Getting the Moo cow from Ms Kelli

It's Ms Kelly!

Enjoying the festivities part 1

Enjoying the festivities part 2

Santa baby!

Two of the cute Ethridge kids Miller and Wilson

Maggie Ethridge with the newest Ethridge  Eliza Grace

Two of the Harrison trio, Ryan and Deanna

Nope...still don't like him.  

Ahh back by Daddy's office

one of the many silver and orange Christmas trees

Helping daddy get ready to come home

I'll add it up for you daddy!