Landon's First Christmas

Deep Thoughts....

..... By Landon.

Monkeys are delicious.

The Grandsons

We were actually able to capture a picture of the 4 grandsons tonight! That's a Christmas miracle in itself!

Let's Read

I love how David and Tyler so quickly volunteered to read Wes' new book to him. They are already practicing for Landon.

I did it!

When I was pregnant with Landon, I decided that I was going to at least try to make my own baby food. I am in it for the organic factor. It's all about the budget. I made a batch of bananas this weekend and did a sweet potato and some green beans tonight. It's so easy! I probably filled 15 jars for about $1.25, which would have cost us $9.00 or do. Yay!

Oh, and as a perk, it looks so much prettier than the store bought stuff!

HP 2

Tyler decided a few weeks ago that he wanted to start reading the Harry Potter books. While he is a great reader, I know a lot of adults who haven't taken on this challenge. The books are long and take commitment (the dub kind of course). Tonight, Tyler asked to stay up a few minutes past his bed time because he was almost done with. Ok two, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. How could I say no?! I love the look of pure enjoyment and pride when he finished. David keeps asking him why he reads like Mommy :)

Oldies and Goodies

While we love adding a new ornament or two to our collection each year, it's important to know that this tradition wasn't started by us. As a child, my grandparents, Grandpa Lefty and Grandma Punce, always made sure that we had a new Christmas ornament each year, too. These, like this one from 1982, still make it on to my tree each year and it's a blast to share these ancient relics with our boys.

Merry Christmas from the Hines' Boys

Tyler's First Christmas

Tyler's first Christmas ornament can't be forgotten either! 2003 was a busy year for us!

David's First Christmas

I found David's "first Christmas" ornament on a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. I remember that the line to get it personalized was a mile long, so I just did it myself. I guess it's a good thing that I have pretty, elementary teacher handwriting. We also have a few "twins" ornaments to celebrate their shared first Christmas in 2003.

Tarheel Christmas

Davy and I love sharing our love for the UNC Tar Heels during the Christmas season. Of course, Santa is a Tar Heel fan, so this obviously makes sense!

The Grinch

A few years ago we picked up a Grinch t-shirt for Grandpa, and it quickly turned into a bit of a joke. If you aren't in the Christmas spirit, or worse, you are stealing others' spirit, you are confined to the shirt. This picture from 2007 is still one of my favorites.

Landon's First Christmas

Each of our sweet boys has their own "first Christmas" ornament. We had a great time picking out Landon's on a trip to Pigeon Forge, TN, this fall.

Go Cubs! Go!

What would our tree be without a Cubs ornament?

To be honest, one of the many reasons that I knew Davy was "the one" was the fact that I'd found another Cubs fan here in North Carolina!

Nativity

As a wedding gift, my parents gave us our first Nativity set, made from olive wood from Israel. We were blessed to receive a second set as a gift from Lois & Wilfred Schrag, mom's brother and sister-in-law. It's always a favorite moment to set up our family set to remind us of the true reason to celebrate Christmas.

Our First Christmas

Davy and I received these two ornaments in 2001, just after we were married, to celebrate our first Christmas together. I guess technically, it was our second, as we were engaged in November 2000.

Christmas Countdown

Grammy made the boys their own Christmas Countdown a few years ago. They love counting down the days by moving a toy into the train each day.

Special Ornaments

Over the next few weeks, I hope to highlight some of the Christmas ornaments, decorations and traditions that our family shares as a way to document them and share them.

I got this ornament when I was pregnant with the twins in 2002. It's hard to believe that it was 9 years ago. It was extra special last year, in 2010, when I was pregnant again with Landon. What a special way to remember these moments!

My First Rudolph

Family Tree

It's Beginning to

Look a lot like Christmas!