The week before Christmas

Anthony told me that for his 32nd birthday, he wanted to have some of his new friends over for a Christmas party.  That statement slowly evolved into having a bigger party over at Nana and Papa's house.  It's not Christmas without some of Grandma Patti's butterballs, so Papa and Connor churned out a few batches.  They were so good, even Harrison couldn't resist. ;)


I had already bought and wrapped one of Anthony's Christmas gifts - a music stand, when he told me that he was going to go buy one to play at the party.  Here he is feigning excitement, even though I had to tell him to go get it from under the Christmas tree.


We had a great time mingling and enjoying our friends' company.  It was fun to be able to spend some time with Anthony's coworker who had their baby the same night we had Harrison, at the same hospital, even with my same midwife since her doctor couldn't make it in time.  Parties are more fun with a three month old when someone else understands why you have to keep disappearing!


Anthony and Ryan provided the Christmas carols.


Finally, Harrison is allowing me to put him down for naps!


Connor was super excited to light Anthony's birthday candles.


Harrison was maybe TOO excited about the candles.


He got all the candles in one breath, but he told me his wish, so let's hope he still gets it!


On the 23rd, I got a haircut and we opened our Christmas gifts from Grandma and Grandpa.  They were beyond generous, and my favorites were the new jacket, Dad's gift ;), and my Wunderbars!  I even tried to trade Anthony two Toblerones and 2 packs of M&Ms for his one Wunderbar, but he wouldn't take the bait.


The next series is probably my favorite from the season.  "What's this?  A present?"


"Hey, this is pretty cool!"


"What's that awful, loud sound when Daddy tears the paper?!  I don't think I like it!"


"Nope!  I definitely do not like it!"


"Is this scary thing going to hurt me?!"  The poor guy gets overstimulated pretty easily, so Christmas was a lot for him!


Thanks to technology, Grandma and Grandpa got to see the terror as it unfolded! :)


Connor likes the idea of his quarter collection, but honestly, is more focused on when he can go spend these quarters!  He's not quite understanding the meaning of a collection yet...


The treat bags are always a hit!