I dedicate this house to the Chappell Family Christmas

The pictures are out of order but I don't want to do this again, so oh well.  Evan opening his stocking to get his goodies.

"Helping" daddy with his stocking.

His new cell phone. 

Leap Frog Phonics magnets from Nana and Poppa Carpenter

Talking on the phone. Not really interested in the unwrapped gifts.

Playing on the xylophone from Santa

pulling the xylophone around.

With daddy before we had dinner.  He either looks like a lumber jack or a wolverine ("Red Dawn).  I can't decide.

Evan and I.  He's the cutest.

Clapping his hands for me.

Talking to me with some concern.

Surrounded by all his gifts.

trying to eat the camera.

This was from Christmas Eve.  Looking at the lights.  Doesn't care about the presents.

Christmas tree in the morning.

Evan as soon as he woke up.

Picking at the yummy breakfast I made of bacon, egg and toast muffin cups.

The gift piles.  Yes, Evan was completely spoiled.

So, the title of this blog post is from one of my very favorite Christmas movies.  Ever.  Anyone that knows that movie from the quote above, (substituting the name of the family in the movie with our family), kudos to you.  My family can't participate.  They already know it.

This was our first Christmas together in our own home, with only the three of us.  And, as much as I missed our families, it was so relaxing. I loved not having to go anywhere or travel.  Evan was spoiled by everyone.  I was spoiled by Rick and family, and Rick was spoiled by myself and our families.  Needless to say, we were all spoiled.

It's interesting that this has been one of my favorite Christmases ever, especially since we were quite frugal with our money this Christmas.  I guess it doesn't matter, as long as you have the "Chrithmath Thpirit" (same movie-translation is Christmas Spirit) in your home.  Plus, being frugal and not having as much money to spend means that you get to be more creative in what you buy for people.

Next year, Evan will be able to start playing with a lot more fun stuff though, and I really want to spoil him for that.  So, we're going to start a "gift fund" for all the birthdays, anniversaries, fathers/mothers days, Easter and Christmas so hopefully, we can spoil each other a little bit more during the year.

Overall, we had a great time.  Finally glad this was posted since blogger hasn't been working well for me the past few days.  Happy New Year!

Lately...

We've been recovering from the miscarriage, busy with our callings, tech school, and playing (Evan).  We're also recovering from the flu, so it's been a crazy month.  We were finally able to finish our Christmas shopping this week, thankfully.

I keep having to remind myself that it is the most wonderful time of the year despite the flu, traffic and major dent to our budget.  Oh well.  I can't wait to see Evan on Christmas morning when he opens his gifts.  Hopefully, I'll post some pictures soon of our Christmas decor.

Evan's getting a lot bigger.  He claps, waves hello and goodbye and gives high fives.

He's not talking very much yet, so I am a little concerned about that, but he does say "da da" and "ma ma" and "ya ya", so that's better than nothing right?

And he's a little boy... they're slightly more slow than girls.  He might catch up to girls his age, but I doubt it. :)

Holiday in the Park

Rick and Evan in front of Frosty. 

Evan petting the llama.  He needs a dog or something because he seriously loves animals.

Evan loved all the animals in the mini petting zoo that they had.

Talking to the llama. 

Distracted by daddy's flashlight.

They finally lit the Christmas tree.

It was freezing cold (well, for us it was cold).

In front of the Christmas tree... Evan was distracted by the lights.

Family picture with Evan actually looking!

Holiday in the Park was a lot of fun!  The Drum and Bugle Corps (Rick's the commander) performed some Christmas songs.  They had free toys for the kids.  We also got Pirates of the Caribbean 2 (now we just need to get movies 1 and 3!).  They fed us hot dogs and chili.  The petting zoo was awesome.  And Santa even came!  The line was too long for a Santa picture too.  No big deal---Evan's too little anyway. 

It was a nice way to relax as a family and have fun, and all for free!  It was especially nice since the pretty rough week were having anyway.  I love the Air Force because they take such good care of us. And I am so grateful that even though we're going to an army base, Rick is a part of the Air Force Wing there, so I know we'll be taken care of!