The Halpin Family: 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!