Marquis Mahem and Other Adventures: Christmas 2011

This year was our first year really on our own for Christmas. Luckily, we have a few friends out here who are on their own as well, so we got to have a few Christmas dinners with our "Outsider's club" friends.

Thursday night we had dinner with our friends Major and Jill and their son Tyler. Cache and Tyler always get along so well and are interested in the same toys so it's always nice to see them playing together.

Friday night we had a nice dinner with the Merrill's, a couple in our church with a 6 month old son. They are really nice and we were glad to be able to have fun. Cache was mostly interested in their huge couch with nifty light-up buttons for heat and massage. Unfortunatly, Cache had a cold and their son, Leo, had a fever, so the night was short. with the help of modern technology, we were able to share moments with family.

Saturday (Christmas Eve) was pretty low-key and we just hung around the house and enjoyed the holiday. Cache had been having long nights for most of the week (bed at 10) so when I put him down at 8 he was not having it! I actually had to rock him to sleep for the first time in who knows how long! But eventually he went down and Santa was able to come! I have to say that this little boy was very spoiled. It was so much fun to see his little face light up. Even though we didn't have family with us, we were able to share some of it via Skype and cellphone so Christmas morning was a joy. Of course, after a later night than planned, Cache decided it would be a good idea to sleep in. Which is funny because I was excited for him to wake up! This might be one of the only times that will happen too! Anyway, at 8:15 I couldn't wait any longer so I went to get him. Luckily he was just waking up. We had GGMa, GGPa, Grammy and Papa on the Skype for his first morning. At first we ate breakfast because we were in a hurry to get to church, so we had our "Overnight French Toast" with strawberry topping. After that, Jared went to tend the fire and Cache just loves to help daddy with the fire so he went to help. In all his excitement, he ran right past the tree with all the stockings and gifts out! I had to tell him to turn around, but after that, it was all excitement. He just loved all his presents and couldn't decide what to play with first. I have to say that there are a few we have had to hide occasionally just to give my poor ears a break, lol. He also couldn't shove enough chocolate in his mouth! Every time we thought we had it all in one bowl, he had another peice in his mouth! I have to say that he has become quite adept at opening Hershey's Kisses on his own. :) He only opened one gift because we had to head to church, but after we got back we were up to our knees in wrapping paper! Thank you for all the amazing presents!
Fortunatly, another of our "Outsiders Club" friends was having a Christmas dinner for their family who was coming to town on whim. It's their little girl's first christmas, so grandma and grandpa just had to come! So they invited us over to dinner and it was so nice to sit and feel like it was actually Christmas. I will also say, that not having to cook or clean up, was also a bonus! Actually all those dinners were nice because of that! :)
Anyway, here are the pictures!