Tuesday, December 27, 2011

It's Christmas Time!

Our Christmas posts have come to be the longest posts of the year but it is usually because we have so many great celebrations and memories.  This year is no exception!

The weather outside was almost 40 degrees and there was no snow so it didn't exactly feel like Christmas time outside but it didn't stop the festivities.  Christmas Eve started with a present or two from mom and dad for Quinlan and Harrison.  First present was a huge hit...an airplane!  It was on the "Ask List" to Santa.
 The other gift was a baseball glove.  He was interested but clearly his mind was on the airplane.
Quinlan was not forgotten...Harrison picked out a doll for her and named the doll "Gus"..."A girl Gus".   Poor doll...
 Some family pics before digging into the presents (and delicious dinner) at Grandma and Grandpa Lichty's house.

 Harrison is kindly offering his gift opening skills to all.
 A happy birthday song and cake for Jesus!
 Christmas morning Harrison unfortunately woke up with a fever but it didn't slow him down.  He was soooo excited to see what Santa brought to him.  His request for a "Cranky the Crane" for his train set was granted...along with some other Thomas the Train stuff.

 Again...Santa didn't forget Miss Quinn.
 Time for more presents with Grandma Nancy, Grandpa Terry, & Company.

 A big monster truck from his Uncle!
 Searching the tree for "The Pickle".  The tradition states that who ever finds the pickle on Christmas gets a special treat.
The Pickle is found!!!

Unfortunately, the fever did not let up and Harrison had to visit Urgent Care for a nasty case of Croup instead of spending Christmas night at Grandma Grace's house.  He was a trooper despite really not feeling well.

Our final Christmas celebration took place on the 27th.  It was the annual Young Family Brunch.  After eating, Harrison kicked off the English Christmas cracker tradition.
 He then helped cousin Natalie open her Christmas Cracker.
 One final round of gifts by the fire.
A great finale to a great holiday!   The only downside was Uncle Matt, Auntie Callie, and Cousin Noland were not able to come up from St. Louis. They were missed!

A parting shot from Christmas past....Harrison's first Christmas.
And Christmas present...Quinlan's first Christmas!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

A Very Lichty Christmas!

Saturday night brought 23 Lichty's together for the annual "Lichty Family Christmas".  Such fun!  

Harrison made himself comfortable at the grown up table for dinner.
After dinner there was a special surprise...Santa himself was making a little appearance to say "hi"!  Harrison was eagerly waiting the "Surprise Guest".
Such delight in his eyes when Santa walked in!  We have a video but it won't upload right now.  I am going to keep trying because it is pretty cute!
Pure love and joy!!!
Hmmmmm.......what does Santa have for me????


Below are the results of the annual "White Elephant" game.  Matt was lucky enough to wine the lawn flamingos...he was actually really excited about it!
A fun night with Lichty's from 3 states!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Holiday Fun!

Harrison and his gal pal Nora made some lovely holiday cookie creations!  Luckily Grandma Nancy was here to help guide their creativity.


I keep telling Harrison "Put it on your list" every time he tells me he wants something.  The other day he responded "What is this list???"  Once I explained what "the list" meant, he was very excited to review it with Santa himself!
Throwing in a picture of Quinlan for no particular reason except for the fact she is adorable!  She is over 8 lbs now...an impressive weight gain!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Jesus' Birthday Party


The church we have been attending had a "Birthday Party for Jesus" tonight.  Baby Quinn stayed with Grandpa and we met up with Thomas and his family to celebrate.  H and T enjoyed the craft.
 Surprisingly, Harrison sat still and listened closely to the story time.

 There was a little Christmas miracle...Harrison voluntarily shared his cupcake with T's little sister Olivia!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Ladies who lunch...

After 4+ weeks of sticking close to home, Quinlan and I are starting to venture out a bit.  The little lady has proven to be a good shopper and lunch companion (more accurately a quiet lunch companion so I can enjoy lunch with friends!)


Sunday, December 4, 2011

Playdates!

Friday night kicked our weekend off with a playdate with the Flynns.  Harrison and Thomas liked entertaining Olivia who is a ham for the camera!
 Saturday, Evan Seefeldt was over for some fun.  Apparently our house was a hot-bed for fires because the two spent quite a bit to time putting fires out!
Sunday brought even more fun!  A birthday party for his best neighborhood gal-pal Nora at "Pump it Up"!


 Sunday night we left Quinlan with Grandma and Grandpa and went to the 8th Floor Macy's "Santa's Workshop" exhibit.  (Harrison called it the "Santa Museum".)
 Time for the Hollidazzle Parade!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

December 1

December 1, 2011 was supposed to be Quinlan's birthday.  Of course, she had other plans and greeted us a bit earlier.  

Quinlan received this Minnie Mouse doll from my boss...kind of funny that it is bigger that her!
 December 1 brings us the first night of the Advent Calendar.  (Thanks Grandma Nancy!) Harrison found the "1" on his own.

 He was delighted to find a little treat in it!