Jeff had the 23rd-26th off, so we were able to spend a lot of time together. Because of time constraints with family gatherings, he and I opened our presents from each other on the 23rd.
Cooper helping Jeff open gifts. I think it's the fastest we've opened gifts from each other- we were busy chasing Cooper the rest of the time!
We make stops to visit each side of our families. The hit present at Nana and Hondo's house was a Batman Power Wheels 4-Wheeler from Martha, Jeff's grandmother. We weren't sure if Cooper would know what to do with it yet, but he absolutely loved it. We do have to be close by because he hasn't learned how to steer, so when he runs into walls, we have to pull him away and back on track:
We do not promote drinking and driving.
Next stop was Grandmama and Alfie's house for the Bailey Christmas. I don't think any of us could imagine not having Christmas there this year, despite Grandmama and Alfie both being gone. It's where every Bailey Christmas Eve has been celebrated.
Watching Regina open her gifts.
Pops showing off Mr. Bingle, a flashback from his childhood that used to be housed at Lowenstein's at Poplar Plaza during the holidays.
The Bailey siblings together with the famed Bailey tree in the background. It's the tree where all "Christmas perfectionism" begins. The candle holder my mom (YaYa) is holding was made from flowers from Grandmama's funeral. My parents and my Aunt Cynthia got them for Christmas from Aunt Leigh, Uncle Mark, and Regina.
Cooper went to sleep as soon as we got home from Grandmama and Alfie's. Good thing because Santa visited our house!
He loved the shortbread cookies Cooper left out and as you can tell, Santa must be a Memphis fan since he drank almost all his milk. Cooper even got a note from him, saying Fred, our Elf on the Shelf, had told him what a good boy Cooper had been.
Cooper must have been a REALLY good boy. Check out all those toys!
Next, it was time for Cooper to open his gifts from us. He didn't really get into the gift opening this year, but did love his new SkippyJon Jones book:
And his xylophone:
Every year, Pops and YaYa host both sides of my family for Christmas morning brunch. Before that, we open our presents from each other and see what Santa brought at their house.
Uncle Kyle got golf clubs:
Jeff, Cooper, Kyle, and I gave Daddy gift certificates to our favorite restaurants in St. Pete for next year's vacation.
A little bit of excitement came next as Mama's coffee cake overflowed in the oven and caused a small fire when it hit the oven coils. No call to the fire department was needed, but we did have to open doors and run fans to get the smoke out of the kitchen in time for brunch.
Cooper and Uncle Kyle kept busy by going up and down the stairs. Well, they'd get up the stairs, but Uncle Kyle would slide Cooper down the banister. We've all said this is something special for Cooper and Uncle Kyle, meaning the rest of us don't have the energy!
Pops was worn out after all the excitement of Santa, fires in the oven, and brunch:
We also went to Frannie and Papaw's, Jeff's grandparents on his mom's side, and Mamaw's for Mama's side of the family to celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, I also forgot the camera. We had a great time, though.
Cooper and I have spent lots of time playing with all his new toys this week. I ran some errands to exchange Christmas gifts and to get some Christmas decorations for 50% off Monday, then I got together with some friends from work to see "Little Fockers" (very cute!) and have dinner yesterday. I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow afternoon and Jeff will have Friday off with us. We don't have any plans for New Year's Eve, but will have a get-together with the Bailey side of the family New Year's Day. It's back to work for me on Monday- I can't believe my 2 weeks off is almost up!
Hope you and your family have enjoyed the holidays!
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