Christmas in Winston

On the day we left to spend Christmas in Winston Salem, we had a little celebrating to do before we could get on the road.

It was Carver's 3rd Birthday!

For the second year in a row he woke up to a room full of balloons :)

Since I was doing a little traveling after Christmas without Daniel, we had to drive separately to Winston. Carson rode with Daniel (he prefers the big truck), and Carver rode with me so he could watch DVDs in the car. Both boys did really well for the drive.

This year we were able to be at Daniel's parent's house for about 4 days-- longer than usual. When we got in on Friday we headed out to dinner and then back home for birthday cake and presents.

On Saturday, Daniel went hunting with the men in the family and Nana and I took the boys to the Children's museum in Winston. Carver loved it.

Carver also did a little baking with Nana.

And the boys played with Carver's birthday toys.

On Sunday we went to church and relaxed at the house.

On Monday, Christmas Eve, Daniel and I ran some errands in the morning included some last minute shopping, a stop at Krispy Kreme (which apparently has its origins in Winston Salem), and lunch from Bruegger's.

That night we spent time with Daniel's Dad's side of the family. Dinner and a gift exchange. We don't see this side of the family often, so it was nice to get to reconnect with them.

Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve of course.

Christmas morning was especially fun this year because Carver seemed extra excited. He understands the whole unwrapping presents thing a lot better now and gets really enthusiastic about it all. He pretty much helped everyone unwrap presents.

Then Daniel's mother's side of the family came over for lunch. We LOVE seeing all of these aunts, uncles, and cousins.  The boys were both exhausted (and grumpy) so they spent the afternoon sleeping. Which was actually kind of nice for us-- we were able to just enjoy the company and not be quite so involved with the boys.

I think I especially enjoyed Christmas this year. We were in Winston for a little longer than average so our time felt more relaxed and less rushed and scheduled. Carver really enjoyed celebrating his birthday and Christmas and seemed to understand so much more this year. We were able to see much of the extended family and it was such a blessing to watch them love on our boys.

We left early Wednesday morning to head up to Baltimore. This time a long travel day. Never good with these kids... especially the wee one.