Christmas in Fayetteville

We had wonderful Christmas celebrations with both of our families this year.  We spent the first half of our time in Fayetteville with James' side of the family and the second half with mine.  I didn't bring my camera to Arkansas (to conserve space in the car and because I know that other people will already be taking pictures), so all the pictures I have are from either my Mom or Mother-in-law.

Jesse and Ben had a great time playing "together".  There was definitely more energy in the house when the two of them were there together.

 

Jesse loved all the cookies at Grandma's and Nana's houses.  He still asks for cookies all the time, even though he hasn't gotten one since we left Arkansas.

 

 

Jesse loved getting to meet cousin Will, who was about 1 week old in this picture.  He gave him a couple sweet kisses.

 

 

 

 

His favorite toy at Grandmama and Grandpa's house was the set of Matchbox cars.  He loved putting them "to sleep" in the case and then waking them up.

 



 

Jesse and Ben had a lot of fun working puzzles at this table.

 



 

And Jesse built a "tall, tall tower" with these dominoes.

 



 

 

Jesse loved hanging out with Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve.

 



 

The nativity set was also a popular toy for the two boys.

 



 

 

Here Jesse is getting his stocking down.  He totally got the idea of opening presents this year.  We opened gifts just the three of us before leaving Chicago, so by the time we got to Arkansas, Jesse knew that he was going to get to open some of the presents under the tree.

 



 

James got a new jacket and dress shirt.  I'm not so sure about this particular combination with the pj pants, but I love the jacket/shirt!

 



 

Cousins: Ben, Will and Jesse.

 

 

Jesse was not feeling super cooperative for this picture with Grandma and Grandpa.  He was just ready for bed.  Ben, on the other hand, seemed plenty happy to smile for the camera.

 



 

Jesse and Ben with their Great-Granddaddy Don.

 



 

Jesse loved playing with Hannah.

 



 

 

Sadly, I only have a few pictures from the time we spent with my family.  I completely forgot to get the pictures on our computer before we left, so I just have these two that I got over e-mail.  A few days after Christmas we went down to the square.  We ate dinner at Hugo's and then walked around the square several times to see the lights.

 

 

On New Year's Eve we enjoyed ice cream and cookies.  Jesse's face might not show it in this picture, but he was a big fan.