Jingle All the Way to Texas!

Christmas has come and gone (**tear, sniff sniff**) and now we're left with a lot of toys, a lot of pictures, and a lot of great memories.  This really is my favorite time of the year and I always feel like I go through a slight depression when it's all said and done.  I guess that's why it's important to hold on to the true meaning of Christmas and carry it with you throughout the year ahead.
So Savannah and I left on Tuesday the 21st (my 30th birthday--ack!) to head to Texas to spend the holiday with the Johnson side of the family.  We were able to stay a whole week and Oscar joined us for the middle 4 days.  Every Christmas is a great one and this one was no exception.  In fact, I think it's probably one of my favorites.  Watching Savannah around all the people that love her most really was a special time.  She was so small last year and she slept most of the time.  What a difference a year makes---that girl was into EVERYTHING this year!  I'm amazed that there was no permanent damage done to Grams' house.  Even with 6 adults around, she still managed to find trouble.
I've tried to narrow down all the pictures to a reasonable number to post but there are just too many great ones.  These are some of my favorites:

story time with Dad wearing the antlers

Savannah helping Dad do some last minute wrapping

"The Terror" is on the prowl

So excited it's Christmas Eve!

enjoying Christmas Eve dinner at Nanny's house

sweet hugs for the cousins

meeting the youngest addition to the family

Mom opening her box of sticks (there was jewelry hidden in a baggie)

Savannah stealing Uncle Michael's bottle of money

always the center of attention

waiting patently for our next gift 

Savannah with Uncle Harlan

Savannah with a hairy Uncle Michael

Savannah with Nanny and Pa

Nanny modeling her white elephant gift of a Snuggie

"Woohoo! Santa comes tonight!"

just a few of Santa's offerings

sweet Maya dog sporting the antlers

her first glimpse of all her presents on Christmas morning

"What's the big deal? I get presents all the time."

"I love this Rody horse! Great gift Mom!"

Yea, another baby to add to the ever growing collection!

Mom has to give the kiss of approval.

"Yes! More food to add to my grocery cart!" 

We can never have enough books.

the annual Christmas morning photo on the stairs

Me, Grams and Savannah

"This Rody horse is the coolest!"

Savannah trying to steal Uncle Michael's presents.

Savannah now trying to steal Grams' present.

sliding down her new slide

"I'm queen of this castle!"

Buster and Maya enjoying their treats from Santa

and Libby, too.

my sweet little family

Finally, Savannah kept the antlers on long enough to take a picture.

my most favorite present of all!

She's such a bundle of joy!

pressing the button on the dancing penguin for the 10,000th time

gingerbread house attempt #1--icing is too soft

gingerbread house attempt #2---just right :)

 So now we're on to New Years.  Here's hoping that 2011 is just as wonderful, if not more so than 2010.

Christmastime in Chapel Hill

I must admit that there isn't as many exciting Christmas-y things to do in our new hometown but we did manage to find a few fun new things to add to our yearly traditions.  On Friday the 17th, Oscar, Savannah, and I went to the Santa Train at the Museum of Life and Science.  It wasn't quite what I was expecting (a little too short and not a lot for toddlers to do) but we had fun and I'm sure we'll be going back next year.

all ready to see Santa

one of Santa's elves

the North Pole

It's Santa! Savannah was trying really hard to get away from him.

On the following Sunday, we went to have lunch with Santa at the country club.  Once again, Savannah was not too happy to see the old man.  I'm beginning to think that this isn't the year to capture a happy moment on film of Savannah and Santa.

Santa just entered the room and Savannah is nervous already.

My first attempt of Savannah with Santa---not looking good.

Next we try both of us on Santa's lap---she's still not happy.

after 2 seconds Savannah says, "GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!"

Savannah also attended the Winter Wonderland party at her gym.  Of course she was the smallest person in attendance but that doesn't stop her from having a great time.  In fact, I think she prefers playing with the big kids.  She's become such a huggie girl that it's probably better that she's around larger children---I think the small ones get frightened when she clings onto them :)

So far this holiday season has been a lot of fun and we're not even to Christmas yet!!!