Merry Christmas!

I finally have a chance to update the blog! We just got back from El Dorado visiting Wayne's family for Christmas. The three of us had the best time visiting and relaxing. This was the first time that many of Wayne's relatives had seen Nathan in person. Of course, they all approved of our little creation. There are lots of pictures so be prepared :)


This was the day before we left for Arkansas. Nathan wanted to help Daddy straighten up the house while Mommy ran errands. Looks like Nathan wasn't much help though.


Daddy's stealing my kisses!


Grandmother and Nathan practicing their Christmas morning pose.


Grandmother has all the supplies, even a high chair! Nathan loved sitting in it so when we got home, that was one of the first things we got out and put together!


Nathan and Aunt Cathy


Nathan with Uncle Mike..."Daddy, I think this might be Santa Claus!"


"I like your tie!"


Nathan with his great grandmother.


While in El Dorado, we were able to catch up with a few of my high school friends. Here is Nathan with Keri.


And my friends Sarah and Laura...


Along with their mom, Linda.


Grandmother's house is fun!


Time to play...without any clothes on!


This is why I can't stop kissing and squeezing my baby!


It's Christmas morning!


"I love my Cheerios Grandmother! When will I be old enough to eat them?"


Nathan did not want to let go of his envelope! He's already told me what toys he wants to buy with his Christmas money!


Wayne and I look a little rough, but Nathan is happy as can be!


I think he's searching for more presents.


After we opened presents at Wayne's mom's house, we headed over to Uncle Mike's house for lunch and to visit with more family. This is Wayne's cousin Wesla and her little girl.


Nicole really kept Nathan happy! He loved playing with her.


This is Wayne's Aunt Edie. She is also Carrie's mother in law!


Uncle Cliff and Carrie's father in law...remember, my sister Carrie is married to Wayne's cousin! It can get a little confusing :)


After we got home from El Dorado, my parents met us in Dallas for another visit. Mom made Nathan's first Christmas stocking so here it is! Isn't it adorable? Nathan reminds us of the snowman...especially with the rosy cheeks!

Christmas Party

Nathan and I went to our play group's Christmas Party Thursday afternoon. The kids each drew names to buy a present for and the moms got to choose a gift too! We had a great time although it had already been a busy day for Nathan because of Gymboree that morning. He really was exhausted, but he held up pretty well...only a little bit of crying :)


Nathan has graduated from trying to stick his WHOLE fist in his mouth to suck on to just sucking a few fingers. I think the thumb is next!


Marla and Nathan. The cute smocked outfit he's wearing was a gift from her!


Present time!


Nathan drew Ella's name to buy for. She's 2, and Nathan thought she'd like some little lipsticks and glosses. She LOVED it, but does need a little practice with the application...her mom was thrilled :)


Marla and Kelly.


Kelly gave Nathan Dirty Dogs bath toys. They squirt water, and when you wash them, their spots come off! Right now Nathan just wants to chew on them.

Now we're packing up and heading to El Dorado for Christmas with Wayne's family. It is non-stop for the Parnells!

Christmas in Austin

Our weekends have been filled with family this Christmas! Last weekend we went to Austin to Carrie and Chris' new house for an early Christmas with my family. My sister Jennifer and her family and Mom and Dad came too. Nathan loved all of the attention he got, especially from my niece and nephew, Alexandra and Robert.

Chris pretty much spent all day Saturday in the kitchen making us a wonderful Christmas dinner. We felt bad that he had to cook so much, but our tummies were very thankful!

Alexandra, Nathan, and Robert. When I bought Nathan's Christmas sweater, I had no idea that Jen had bought Robert the same pattern in a vest! Although it took a little coaxing to get Robert dressed up, he finally gave in :)

To give the chef some space, we took the kids to a Gingerbread House decorating workshop in the grocery store. The houses were already made so all the kids had to do was go crazy with icing and candy!

Here is Robert making sure each M&M is perfectly spaced.

Alexandra is putting on the finishing touches.

The final products! They looked so good! It was all I could do not to "sample" the houses :)

While Alexandra and Robert took their time decorating, Papa got his exercise from strolling Nathan around the store. Nathan was so tired but just couldn't bear to miss anything.

A peek from inside. "I wish I could decorate a gingerbread house too."

Auntie Carrie and Nate

Mama and her baby.

Nathan loved looking at the tree and ornaments!

This is the present I want!

Otis (Chris and Carrie's baby) felt a little left out because of Nathan. So Wayne and Robert gave him some much needed attention.

"Daddy, you told me we were going on a SLEIGH ride....I may only be 4 months old, but I know this is not a sleigh!"

"That doesn't look like the Santa in my books."

Mama and her grand babies waiting to open presents. Of course Nathan falls asleep right before the main event!

Time for presents!

Jen and Mom

Once again, Nathan got lots of goodies. This book was from Carrie and is really special because it's the one that Mom used to read to us when we were little. I've always loved it but it is no longer in print. But Carrie found a copy for Nathan!

Nathan got a bit upset after opening presents, but Papa calmed him down.

And you wonder where Nathan and I get our sleep habits from???

This was another one of Nathan's gifts from Aunt Carrie and Uncle Chris, and it is a lifesaver for me! We're on to El Dorado this weekend!