"Christmas Day 2012"....

My parents spent the night with us Christmas Eve, and were with us all day Christmas Day. It was so nice to have them with us - reminded us of all of the times when we did not live in the same city and they would come spend the weekend with us in Tennessee and South Carolina - such  good and fun memories.  It was fun for them to be with us to see the kids on Christmas morning. Elijah Brooks woke up about 6:30 and immediately jumped in our bed to tell us Santa had come.  His little sister decided to sleep until 7:45 for some crazy reason, so we didn't make him wait until she woke up.  In fact, it was actually a really special time for him.  He was able to have his own little Christmas with us, without baby sis getting into all of his gifts and wrapping paper etc......  He had the whole hour to just open his gifts and play with his toys before she woke up - and then she had her own special time too - which consisted of walking around in circles, throwing tissue paper everywhere, eating wrapping paper, and occasionally playing with a toy here and there!  Very fun 1st Christmas for her. Elijah Brooks definitely had a "STAR WARS Christmas" this year. Kind of made it easy since he had a theme and that was all he wanted.  I have a feeling that this Star Wars obsession might last for the next few years.  Mid - morning, my grandparents came over for a Christmas Day brunch. It rained all day long, so we just stayed inside listening to music, playing with toys, and we lived in our PJ's all day - my kind of perfect day. It really was such a low-key, relaxing and memorable day.  Chris and the kids came down the next day on the 26th - which will be the next post and pictures to accompany. 

When EB opens gifts, he is slow and methodical. He is very calculated about his next move. He doesn't rip through everything at once, but takes his time, examining every single detail of each gift - and then lines everything up in a row!  I love that about him. He really does savor the moment. 

Ellison playing Star Wars with him - she is found quite often to be walking around the house swinging a lightsaber. 

Her 1st stocking 

I had this picture painted in watercolors for my parents for their gift. This was a picture taken in July on our 1st trip to the beach since Elliot's homegoing. I can't say that everyone's smile is a natural, happy, relaxed smile given the circumstances - smiles were abit forced during the photo session - but it was a gorgeous picture despite circumstances. The lady who painted it for me knew Elliot's story, and was eager to work on this project for our family. She paid such careful attention to detail, and made certain that my Dad's teal Ovarian cancer bracelet was painted to perfection, my Mom's teal necklace, and also the girls' teal octopus applique's on their outfits.  It is a priceless picture, and one that marks such a distinct time in our lives.  I know the 4 grandchildren help to keep my amazing and faithful parents moving forward. 

Chillin' out, perched atop of her new beanbag chair

No Patterson family Christmas is complete without some carols played by E-daddy 

I tried something different this year with our Christmas cards - I really liked being able to actually see them all month long this year 

Trying out brother's new Star Wars scooter 

My sister gave me these Christmas glasses last year - this was the 1st year I have used them - I know she was with us. 

My sweet grandparents!  They just make me smile. 

New tutu from Aunt Traci

Our full Jesse Tree - absolutely loved this new tradition, and can't wait to do it again next year. 

Rolling all over Daddy - baby girl has no problem tumbling all over him like EB does. The girl is spunky and fearless! 

Playing with his new "Captain Rex" gun 

Last but not least, EB doing laps around the house on his new scooter and loving every minute of getting to ride it inside - which normally is a huge "NoNo" in our house.  But hey, it was Christmas Day and pouring down rain - gotta bend the rules sometimes :)