A Christmas to Remember!

Harper's first Christmas was just perfect. Can you believe we had a WHITE CHRISTMAS!? Although little mister is still too small to enjoy the snow, it was so beautiful and fun to see it fall on Christmas morning. We started off the day at our place. Erik, Harper, and I opened our gifts and stockings. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast made by my sweet husband. And we tried to capture everything on video. Now that was a little tricky. I had to hold the baby in on arm and unwrap gifts with the other arm while Erik filmed everything. We had a blast. Santa was very good to Harper this year. He brought him a Radio Flyer wagon, a ton of books, and more toys than we know what to do with. 

Next, we drove to Greenville to spend Christmas afternoon with Mimi and Papi. Nonnie, Brad, Chastity, Rayne, and Skylar joined in the fun. We ate a traditional turkey dinner with all of the fixings. Yum! And once again Harper was spoiled with a ton of gifts. We can't wait to see him play in his Baby Einstein jumper! It must be nice being the first grandson. Actually I am the first grandchild on both sides of my family, so I can relate. Haha! 

After Mimi and Papi's, we headed to Nana and Papa's in Spartanburg. We opened gifts first. There were so many gifts under the tree that the actually trickled over the couch and all the way underneath the piano. And lets just say a good majority of these were for the baby. He got all sorts of awesome toys. Auntie Jenna got him a Seasame Street walker, an awesome frog that projects the constellations onto the ceiling and plays nursery rhymes, and a ton of other fun things. Nana and Papa went a little crazy with the gift giving. I think they really enjoy buying baby things. He got a monogrammed baby chair. It is adorable!! A Leapfrog music station, play mats, an elephant gym, a V-tech 3-in-1 learning walker, DVD's, books, toys, rattles, and the list goes on an on. Mom decided to cook prime rib this year. It was amazing. We had a mint chocolate cake from Stroussner's Bakery for dessert. One of the best cakes I have EVER tasted. It was incredible. 

Now all the traveling on Christmas is slightly stressful but it is so worth it. We feel very blessed to live close to both sides of the family. We are so excited that Harper will get to grow up around so many people that love him. 

And although the food, festivities, family, fun, and gifts are wonderful it is also important to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Luke 2:8-12; 13-14

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.""