Jackson's First Christmas

Last Friday, we headed down to Mimi and Pops house to celebrate Jackson's first Christmas.  We weren't opening presents with them until Monday with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Josh, so that gave us plenty of time to really celebrate the "Reason for the Season."  We played a lot with Mimi and Pops, and showed off our new skills (sitting up, pulling up on our knees), sang some Christmas carols, visited with our friends at FBC McGehee, and did some eating. It was a really good first Christmas for J, and I can't believe it went by so quickly.

Here's Jackson's stocking for Mimi's house.  We all have one with our name on it, and I need to get one for our house. 

At Ma's on Christmas Eve, we had prime rib for lunch, and Brent was chosen to cut the meat. We've always had steak and shrimp, so it was a tasty lunch. 

This is my dad's brother, Sluggo, Jackson, and my dad.  Jackson really liked him  - I wonder if it's because he looks like his Pops. 

Aunt Snooks and Jackson

There is really nothing better than to see your child with your grandmother.  I only wish the grandparents who've passed on could have met him - they all would have been smitten. 

He did like opening presents, and was really interested in the paper and bows.  

He got a toy tool set from Ma and a toy butterfly from Reza and Sharon.  He also got an ornament and a toy octopus from Aunt Snooks, and a tree swing from Aunt Kay.  He definitely racked up! 

Dad, Aunt Snooks, Uncle Sluggo

These are my dad's siblings and first cousins.  

Four generations! 

There was lots of playing in the floor with Mimi and Pops! 

He really wasn't interested in the Christmas tree this year unless you put him right up next to it, then he wanted to touch.  I'm sure next year he'll be trying to yank it down.  But I'll worry about that then. 

Jackson and Santa on Christmas day 2011

Sweet boy

Nannie (my grandmother) and Jackson.  

Can you tell they are crazy about each other?  

Jackson's first Christmas! 

Four generations again! 

We came back to Cabot on Christmas night so we could go to Brent's mom's side of the family dinner.  We always have dinner then throw the famous Fireball, but this year I couldn't watch.  Jackson and I had to go home by 7 because he was sleepy and mama was worn out! Brent stayed and threw the fireball with his cousins, which I was glad he got to do.  (I enjoyed the quiet, alone time at home). 

On Monday morning, we had company at our house!  Aunt Sarah, Uncle Josh, Mimi and Pops came to our house to have our Christmas.  Sarah and Josh spent Christmas weekend in Benton with his family, so it was fun to stretch out the Holiday over a few days.  Jackson LOVED Aunt Sarah.  She has a gift with kids - it's really amazing to watch.  She also looked around in his mouth, and he was totally cool with her doing that.  

With my family, we always have brunch on Christmas, so I prepared the traditional meal.  Breakfast casserole, cheese grits, cinnamon rolls, cheese danish (that mom made), and fruit.  Don't forget the egg nog, OJ, and coffee.  It was yummy! 

Of course the Mister had to be the center of attention  - literally, he was the center piece on the table.  He didn't stay like this for long though. ha! 

We moved the ottoman out so that there would be enough room for the presents and for the J-Man to play.  We open one present at a time, and always say "What is it" (like Aunt Bethany did in Christmas Vacation).  Jackson got the most presents of course, but some of them were from Aunt Kelly, Gamma, and Grandpa Gary. 

What is it Mommy?

Mimi got an iPad2! 

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Josh brought Lyla and Max, but they had to stay out on the patio.  They were super cute in their jackets though, and I think they like Jackson too.  He just stared at them, and they licked their face.  Lyla was really excited and we think she remembers us from May when she stayed with us for a week.  

Overall it was a great first Christmas for Jackson.  I've been off all this week, and we've had a busy one.  We had six month pictures made at Sears, a doctor check-up, hair-cuts for Mommy and Daddy, lunch with friends and family, and now we're getting ready to celebrate the New Year.  We are very blessed and thank God for all of those blessings!