Christmas 2009

This year was Collin's family's turn to spend Christmas with us, so we invited his Dad down to Bellingham for Christmas Day.

Opening presents. Again, Ronan was a good helper.

Ronan was so excited when it was time to open presents.

"I wonder what this one is, Daddy!"

Opening one of the many gifts from my wonderful husband - I was spoiled this year!

Wow! A Spiderman bicycle!

Papa gave the boys this great toboggan.

I had to get a picture of this since it's the first time that Latham has willingly sat on Papa's lap. Latham is finally comfortable enough to sit with him.

If Latham has someone's attention then Ronan wants in on the action too!

Carving the turkey. Collin and I cooked up a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. We had an 18 lb turkey for three adults and two children - needless to say, we have leftovers!

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning fun!

Before opening presents, the boys were playing around, so I decided to snap a few pictures.

What a happy guy! Look at all those teeth!

Bedhead Ronan

A Christmas hug.

Latham doesn't understand yet that they should take turns riding - so far it's always Ronan getting the free ride and Latham doing the hard part.

Best buddies!

Holte Family Christmas

We celebrated Christmas with the Holtes on December 20 since Delta was home from Saskatoon. After a family breakfast, it was time to open Christmas presents.

Nana reading the pedicure gift certificate that she received from Lara.

Helping Latham open a present.

Ronan was quite the little helper since he was so interested in the gifts. Not only did he pass them out, he helped open a majority of them.

Helping Grandpa with open one of his presents.

Auntie Delta modeling her Snuggie; "The blanket with sleeves!"

Latham didn't quite understand the gift part - that'll come next year.

Auntie Lara examining the handmade necklace, bracelet and earrings that Delta made for her.

Three little words - Thomas the Train!

Later that evening we had a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Along with the family members that were around Christmas morning, we also had Aunt Giselle and her boys, Van and Eric, as well as Tiffany & Jeff and their new little bundle, Roma, join us for dinner.

Visiting Santa

I've included several pictures of the annual visit to Santa because it was quite the ordeal this year.

Latham took one look at Santa...

...and burst into tears!

I had to get into the picture to calm him down. I love how he's still sizing Santa up from the comfort of Mommy's arms in this picture.

All smiles (almost).

Latham was more than happy to get away from Santa, but Ronan stayed a bit longer to explain what he wanted for Christmas.

Latham loved the elf hat that he got for the visit.

Latham's First Haircut!

At the beginning of December Latham experienced his first haircut. I thought that there would be tears involved, especially since he was sitting by himself and usually freaks out if he isn't with me, but surprisingly he was fine.

Never under-estimate the power of a lollipop!

With the candy in his mouth he couldn't care less about what she was doing to his hair.

What a brave little guy!

All done and looking so handsome.

Yummy lollipop!

Latham's First Birthday Professional Pictures

Yesterday I took Latham to get his professional pictures done at the mall. As usual, Sears did a great job and I am happy with how they turned out.

Latham's First Birthday!

Our baby boy turns one year old tomorrow! As cliche as it sounds, I don't know where the time has gone, the last year has flown by.

To celebrate this milestone, we had a small family party for him at my parents' house in Abbotsford.

At the party was Nana,

Papa,

Grandpa (affectionately known as Bubba),

Cousin Lauryn & Aunt Teresa,

and, via Skype, Auntie Delta - all the way from Saskatoon! Notice that she even had a party hat on.

All gathering around to talk to Auntie Delta who amused us with video of her snake and tarantula.

The birthday boy!

He asked for a sip of Daddy's drink...

...his reaction when he got some.

The birthday cake.

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Latham.

Before the mess.

The mess!

He was enjoying the cake experience until the elastic snapped on his party hat; that sent him into a huge crying fit. We weren't sure if it hurt or just frightened him.

After the cake and the tears were over, it was time to open presents.

Ronan "helped" with the presents. That meant he completely disregarded Mommy's instructions to leave the gift bags alone, instead pulling out the contents and commenting on them. My favorite comment was, "Look, clothes! That's so sweet!"

Grandpa demonstrating his "two hat" technique.

Happy Birthday Latham!