Merry Christmas!

Christmas is always a fun time of year but this year was extra special because it was full of firsts. Our first with Miles and our first Christmas in the new house! While this house has had it's fair share of issues, I'm glad to have a spot where family & friends can join in and celebrate. What encompassed our holiday this year? Baby giggles, baby snuggles, family, friends, games and of course, wine!

My holiday planning started early this year. I had secret plans to put together a photo shoot with Miles where I could use these photos on a number of gifts. Who doesn't love gifts with baby pics?! I got everything put together, gathered my outfits and hoped that Miles was in a decent mood to give me some cute smiles - we all know it's not very hard to get this little guy to smile. But, to smile with a camera in his face hoping that I've caught the perfect expression AND it's in focus? That's a different story.

It took one day and two photo sessions, but I was really happy with the outcome. So happy I could barely keep it together when it was FINALLY time to open gifts.

Our Official 2017 Christmas Ornament Winner is:

These next 4 were featured on a custom mug:

And because I couldn't possibly put out my Christmas photos without my sweet boy, this one was printed and framed :)

On Christmas eve, Denise and Ray made it into town and we started our Short family festivities. A delicious steak dinner followed by a traditional movie night was a perfect prep for Christmas morning.

In the morning, we rolled out a bed at a whopping 9am (sorry to those up at 6), made breakfast, mimosas and started our gift exchange.

Lucy was gifted a sweater from one of Stephen's friends. She looked adorable, but was not thrilled about wearing it!

We have, however, realized that if Lucy is in any sort of outfit (costume, shirt, or similar), she becomes this rag dog. Just sits there, still, and pouts until you take it off of her. Miles was taking advantage!

Sweater buddies!

After our morning of opening gifts, we invited my mom and dad over for a BLT lunch and everyone spent the afternoon mingling together - Shorts, Gates, Feekins and neighbors. Well...mingling and burning cardboard.

Preston found a new buddy :)

All in all, an excellent time! Hope everyone had a happy holiday! I know we did :)