Parker's 2K Class Photo

I guess its safe to say our little man is growing up WAY TOO FAST! All of you "adults" out there are saying, we told you so and finally we are listening!

Here is Parker's 2K classroom picture and he looks pretty darn handsome and so grown up. The one thing I struggle with on the poor guy is what I like to call his "Dumb and Dumber" hair-do. Unfortunately, he has acquired my baby fine hair and Patrick's crazy thick, fastest growing hair on earth which always results in the "bowl cut" look but despite it all I guess this is as good as a class photo can get.

Santa Claus came to town!

Phew...why does it always seem that Christmas comes and goes as quick as a flash?? And I remember when I was little how that feeling of "joy" would continue for days as I played with all of my new gifts. Now as adults, the day seems so anti-climatic as the next day we are back to the same old, same old.

This year was particularly special for us in that Parker really understood all that was going on. It was so fun to watch the wonder and amazement in his eyes as he opened his gifts and helped play Santa with Uncle Drew!

Due to some complications with our pregnancy starting last week...(more potential pre-term labor contractions like I had with Parker) I was on modified bed rest and had to rely on my "elves" my mom and Patrick to handle most of the work and details of the big day! As you can see below they didn't do too shabby of a job getting all of the loot under the tree and ready for the big reveal. A huge thank you to everyone who assisted while I watched half helplessly from the couch!

We are so thankful to have some of our family close-by. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without the love and traditions surrounding us! Until next year...

Parker wasn't quite sure what to think of Santa at first- but once they bonded over the duck food they became quick buds!

How many Santas do you know that feed the ducks?

Santa & Mrs. Claus- Lake Keowee


The Mathews crew (minus Patrick & Drew)

My "elves" are good- all ready to go...Santa has come to town!

Such a big boy- won't be long until we are running to catch up with him...maybe now Patrick will actually let me replace my beloved beach cruiser?

Parker absolutely loves sour things (like his Mommy) and even won the best sour face contest at school one day. Needless to say one of his favorite things to do as of late is see who can make the best sour face and he wants to do it over and over again...I think here this is actually a "real" reaction as he is licking one of those lemon juice squirters- ewww!

Digging for more goodies in his "McQueen" bag from Nana & Papa

Ready to try it out...not quite sure what to think but he does love the bells!

29 weeks and growing!

My little man

Sadie relaxing by the fire- its been a long day of chewing bones and wrestling with Brandie!

Christmas!

What a fun Christmas season we are having this year with a bright and bubbly toddler running around. I am amazed at how much Parker has changed since last year. He actually seems to "get it" this year and is loving all of the Christmas songs, foods, decorations and traditions that come with the season! he is being a very good boy and hasn't even tried to open any of the gifts wrapped for him under the tree. He does come down each morning to make sure his "treats" are still there...I am adoring how sweet and gentle he is with everything!

He's not quite sure what to think of Santa...the last few weeks we have had a remodel project going on in our home so we have spent a lot of times at Lowe's...and the past two weekends Santa has been there. Parker begs us to go visit him but then when we get closer he stops and just wants to wave and talk to him from afar. Not sure if I am even going to attempt pictures this year...we will see.

We've also officially started the tradition of Elf on a Shelf in our home. Parker has proudly named his elf "Parker Halpin" and is very proud to tell you so. I can't even believe how cute he is each morning when he wakes up and comes running downstairs to see where "Parker Halpin" has moved. We can hear him from our bedroom calling, "Where are you elf?" We have been trying to catch some of this on video so hopefully I can upload something soon!

I am so excited that our two boys will have something to look forward to each year. The holidays are such a special time of traditions and memories for me and its fun to have a family of your own to create new ones and also carry on old ones too!

This year this is much to be thankful for!