A Very Merry Christmas

We had a fabulous Christmas and hope yall did too. It's been nice being on maternity leave during this time of year. I'm not looking forward to next year as I already know that I'll be working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So I took advantage of this year. We hosted dinner at our house for my family on the 23rd and Andrew's family on the 24th. We also made a trip to Meadow, NC to visit with Andrew's Grandma on the 22nd and kicked off our holiday celebrations on the 19th with a trip on the Santa Train at Durham's Museum of Life and Science. Tyler's favorite presents were his monster trucks and he continues to carry them around in his Thomas backpack today. (He needs an entire backpack for them- he has at least 14). Sam's favorite gift was lots of warm bottles and snuggles with lots of cuddly family members. Andrew's favorite gift was tickets to the UNC vs. NC State basketball game and Leslie's favorite present was watching her boys be completely content (and the tickets to the new Beatles show, Rain, of course).

Terra' and Jason were kind enough to take some Christmas pictures of the boys. Jason is an excellent photographer!

Sam, are you sure your head is attached to your body?

Santa Sam

Mommy and Sam resting up for the holiday celebrations

And I want a monster truck...

and a motorcycle...

and a racing car...

and a....

Santa Train!

We went with our neighbors and had a blast!

At Great Grandmama's, Andrew had to lead a field trip (literally, through a field) for all the cousins to a creek he and his brothers used to fish in

Strike a pose Tyler

Opening up Christmas cards

My cousin Lauren with Sam

Cheryl and John brought some yummy home-made wine to go with dinner

Poppa enjoying his time off

And you want me to walk in these Santa slippers?

Another monster truck!!!

Stockings are always the best in the Weaver family

Some of the best toys are Daddy's from when he was little

Let me help you with that Grandmama

More monster trucks!!!!

MOMMY!!! I need milk, not pictures!

I've got this present opening thing down now.

Let's get this one opened.

Now that's talent!

Holding a baby and eating dessert-

not bad for a 95 year old.

Already looking forward to next year. Peace, love and joy to you all!

Getting in the Holiday Spirit

Merry Christmas from Tyler and his neighborhood friend

The Fun Continues!

Baby Sam is 3 weeks old now. We've been having a busy, and fun time here in the Johnson household. Nana left yesterday, so we're going through Nana withdrawl, or the more formal term- PND (Post-Nana Depression). It's going to be a hard adjustment for me especially. Since the month that Nana was here, I haven't had to clean, do laundry, cook meals, go to grocery store, rake leaves, pick up Tyler from school, walk the dog. I know what you're thinking- Wow, how can I get me a Nana too??? We have all been completely spoiled ... spoiled rotten. And grateful too, we are ever so thankful for everything that Nana did for us and continues to do for us. We can't possibly repay her, but will try to in lots of grandson love.

The past 3 weeks have been busy with feedings and tummy time and showing Tyler some special attention. We've also been able to visit with family and friends and spend some excellent quality time together. Here are the recaps:

Uncle Marcus visits for Sam's arrival (well, Thanksgiving too)

3 generations of Johnson men

In case you're wondering, Andrew is wearing pants, Tyler isn't

As you can see,

Tyler is taking this whole Big Brother thing very seriously

My boys.

Wish they were always this sweet...

Sam spending quality time with Great Grandmama Johnson

a.k.a. The Baby Whisperer

Thanksgiving Johnson Family Photo-Op

Nana giving Baby Sam his first bath

He had what we call stinky "milk neck" in full effect

All wrapped up afterwards!

Baby Burrito

Nana, I'm going to need you to put down this baby so you can go get me some Cheez-its

Sweet Pea