Baby's First Christmas

What a busy Christmas weekend!  Since I had to work until Thursday, Matt and I decided to make one final trek to the mall on Friday the 23rd to buy something for each other.  What a big mistake.....it took us 35 minutes just to get out of the mall parking lot.  Next year, I have promised myself that I will have ALL of my shopping done by the 20th..... Everyone remind me of that next December!

We headed to mom and dad's Christmas Eve morning for a brunch and presents.  Then, on to Grandpa Bill and Nana's for our traditional Christmas Eve chili.

Mamaw, I just know this one is for me.

 Great Grandpa Bill- Mamaw's Dad

 Uncle Craig- Home from Podiatry School for two weeks.  He's gonna be the one to spoil you rotten.  

 This present is as big as me....What could it be?

 A giant stuffed Hippo!

 Trying a strawberry= Not a fan.  

 Papaw's boy through and through.  If you see Papaw walk into a room, you immediately want to go to him.  

 Papaw and Great Uncle Steve- Mamaw's brother.

 Oh Uncle Steve, you are a good storyteller!

 Awe Mamaw!

 My new rocking chair from Grandpa and Nana!

 Just being silly with Daddy.

Christmas Day we went to Grandma Susie and Grandpa Paul's for presents and lunch.  It takes forever to open presents because we open them one at a time.  We usually have to take a short potty/snack break.      After grandma's we headed to Pendleton for dinner with Grandma Sally and Grandpa Jim.  You were a trooper with all the running around we did, but since you didn't get your normal naps you were a little of a fussy butt at times.  

 What is it, What is it???

 PUFFS!  I love puffs!

 Boy, I must have been a good boy this year!

 A Sesame Street piano!

 Aunt Linda gave you your first Ritz cracker and you loved it.

 Yes, Christmas threw up in our living room.

Caleb and all of his presents.  

Doesn't look like he is spoiled one bit does it?  Our first Christmas with Caleb was very memorable and full of joy and laughter.  I love the holidays and spending so much time with our families.  We truly are blessed beyond measure.  

Shoup Family Christmas

Growing up, we always had a set holiday schedule.  On Christmas Eve, we went to Grandma Ginny's house where we had chili, birthday cake, opened presents, and the adults played Euchre.  On Christmas Morning, we would go to Grandma Susie and Grandpa Paul's house, open presents (stopping halfway through for a snack break) and eat lunch.  As I got older, I began to worry that those traditions would change with the addition of my husband's family.  Those of you who know me well know that I am not good when it comes to change.  Well, I got the BEST of both worlds when I married Matt because the Shoup's celebrate Christmas the weekend before the holiday.

Here's a rundown of Caleb's First Christmas at the lake house.  When we got their on Friday, Grandpa Jim and Daddy went into town to buy a tree.  When Uncle Chris and the girls arrived, it was time to decorate the tree.  

 Three kiddos excited and ready for Shoup Christmas Weekend!

Hi there new friend! 

 Ready to open some presents!

 Caleb on the move!

Helping Grandpa open his present.

Future IU cheerleaders.  Maggie was not too happy about performing.  I'll save the ones where she is really pouting to show at her graduation :)  

Ellie, you have my toy!

 

Mom, Ellie has my toy and she won't give it back! 

Every year, Santa makes a special trip to Middlebury during our Christmas Celebration.  

Cheese!  Now can I open my present?!?!?

 Thanks Santa!

 Our First Christmas!

There were actually three new additions to the Shoup family this year: Caleb in February, Ellie in June, and Katelyn in December. We can't wait to meet Baby Katelyn!   

 Four of the Five Shoup Great-Grandchildren: Ellie, Bridget, Maggie, and Caleb

 And the stockings were laid under the tree with care: Our Sunday morning tradition.  Even as an adult, these traditions are so magical! :)  

 Love this picture!

 What did Santa bring me daddy?

 I think I'll eat it!

Grandma Sally is very talented.  Uncle Chris, Uncle Andy, and Daddy all have the stockings on the far left.  Grandma made Mommy and Aunt Jenn the ones in the middle and she made the grandkids the one on the far right.  Notice she includes the year when each person joined the Shoup family.  They are each so special and unique.  I couldn't wait to get my Shoup stocking!  

Christmas Pictures

Okay, so I have fallen way behind with the blog.  Sorry!  In order to avoid a super long post about the holidays, I am going to postdate the blog.

Becky came at the end of November to take Caleb's Christmas/Nine Month pictures.  He was teething that day and didn't want any part of having his pictures taken.  No matter how hard we tried to make him smile and laugh, the minute you set him down, he cried.  Regardless, Becky managed to get some good ones.  Here are my faves.