Christmas Continued

Our Christmas didn't end on Christmas Day. On the 27th, we went to Rough River to spend time with my immediate Alexander family. We met at Little Dave's. It was nice to see my cousins as some of us live out of state and most of us are scatter across Kentucky. Gehrig enjoys playing with more cousins, especially Joey - who he talks about all the time.

On Sunday the 28th, we went to Stone Hearth to have brunch with my "extended" Alexander family. As you probably figured out, the Alexander's are a "big" family. I got to spend a 2nd day with part of my immediate family that I don't see a lot and my extended family of Great-aunt, Doris and her family, Uncle Sonny and his family and Aunt Jean's family. Gehrig loves playing with cousins, Jay and Katie, as well as Meg and Kate, who were visting from Tennessee.

Christmas Day

I was up bright and early anxiously awaiting Gehrig's reaction this year to Santa. He was quite funny and at first upset because a stocking was in his rocking chair and he couldn't sit down! We had to coax him to open the gifts and he was very meticulous in removing the wrapping paper. He did love his gifts from both Santa and Gran and Gramps.

We loaded up rather early and headed to Aunt Alma's house for country ham breakfast. Aunt Alma makes the best country ham and red eye gravy that would rival anyone. We got to visit with my Uncle Jim, Aunt Nean, cousins Darlene, Randy, Terry, Colin, Renee and Brett. Gehrig, who is usually shy in different places, was right at home from onset. He talked and talked to each of them. The family was quite surprised at how much he had grown in 2 years - they last saw him when he was only 4 months old.

Then, it was back to Etown for lunch with at Aunt Linda and Uncle Lon's house. Cousin, Mitch and Becca Galvin got Gehrig a Thomas train set, which he absolutely loved! I couldn't get him to even eat - he was so excited about that gift. I enjoyed talking with Leanne about her and Mark's upcoming wedding in July in which Gehrig will be the ring bearer and John is a groomsmen. Grandmother is always entertaining to me and I enjoy talking with her.

From here, we were on to Gigi's. Gehrig really loved the "old" time toys that Gigi got him. He also like the "cars" wrapping paper that the gifts were in. We missed cousin Olivia not being there, but we were very happy that she got to go home from the hospital that day.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, our first stop was to Aunt Beth and Uncle Jim's house. Gehrig always enjoys playing with all his cousins. He received lots of nice gifts. At this point, he still didn't quite understand the present thing. We had a visit and ate some great food!

Our second trip was to Hardinsburg to my parents house. We got all our gear settled in and decided to travel around the town looking at Christmas lights. This has always been a tradition of parents to look at lights. We went to come and go communion at church - Pastor Janet does such a lovely job - it was so pretty and serene! We then enjoyed a really nice supper. I made cookies for Santa while Gehrig and Gramps watched Polar Express. It was an enjoyable evening!

Snow Day

Just like everyone else, we got outside for a bit and played in the snow. It put all of us in the spirit of Christmas. Pictures of Gehrig and Olivia playing. They had a big time.

Polar Express

Sunday night, December 14, we went on the Polar Express train ride at the Ky Railway Museum in New Haven. It was a lot of fun. We got to wear our PJ's, eat cookies, drink hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols. Santa boarded the train half way through the ride and visited with the kids. Santa took pictures with all the kids after the ride. Gehrig had lots of fun!


Gehrig with Santa after the Polar Express ride.

Gehrig and I getting ready for the train ride.

John and Gehrig in Santa's workshop.

New Daycare

Monday, December 8 was Gehrig's first day at Memorial United Methodist childcare. It was a rough week for both him and mommy as he stated to me over and over he wanted to go to Missy's and "no school"! Gehrig, as well as John and I, loved the babysitter, Missy and her family. The move to the new daycare was necessary due to my new promotion at work. In this picture, Gehrig was all smiles about going to "school" as he calls it for his first day. I think he will adjust and enjoy it very much.

Weekend Full of Events

John opening his birthday present with a lot of help from Gehrig!
My dad, posing as the Red Baron, and his friend, Bob, wearing a wig when he is completely bald, rode in the Hardinsburg Christmas parade and passed out candy.
Gehrig with Cousins, Corey and Mason. He had such a good time playing with them.









We were busy! We went to two dinners on Thanksgiving - first the Galvins and then the Moores. Gehrig and I went Black Friday shopping and then we were off to Breck County for Thanksgiving dinner with my family. On Saturday, Gehrig and I went back to Breck County to watch the Hardinsburg Christmas parade and also participate in hanging of the green ceremony at church. On Sunday, we celebrated John's birthday. I cooked a steak dinner for John, Gehrig, Gigi and myself. It was eventful! In this time, I managed to put our 4 Christmas trees! Gehrig is really loving Christmas this year.