WHOA! WAY OVERDUE CHRISTMAS POST!!!

Here we are at the end of January, and here comes the Christmas post!

Lets rewind a bit. In early December, Hudson wanted one last taste of warm weather, so he hopped on a plane to go visit Dohdoh and Dayday. Plane time, Pool time, beach time, silly time, what's not to love?!?

The elf on the shelf even made a visit!

Meanwhile back at home, Patrick prepped his bachelor pad for the Monday Night Football Crew!

Parades with grandparents are great! Especially when they include marching bands!!!

And did I mention that the big boy got his OWN seat on the plane???

 

Once back in Virginia, it started to feel a bit more like the holiday season. Hudson and Juliana went on a movie date to see the Polar Express at one of our neighbors houses. Good food, warm blankets, and a movie screen were all he needed for a good time!

 

 

As Christmas was fast approaching, it was time to pick out the Holmes Family Christmas Tree.

The placement was chosen, and fingers were crossed before cutting the strings!

Cookies were made, and Frosting was eaten!

We shared drinks with friends and celebrated with all those near and dear

Hudson made Gingerbread houses

A short time later we got together and had a little family photo shoot. Hudson was his cheeseball self and had a ball performing for the camera.

He even took a moment to 'kiss' (or bite) the newest member of the family

every model has moments where they feel a bit camera shy... even if just for a minute

 

As we approached closer to Christmas, we had to take a trip up North in search of snow!

Grammy and Papa had no problem pretending it was Christmas, and letting Hudson open lots and lots of presents.

 

This year marked the beginning of a new family Tradition....

A RIDE ON THE POLAR EXPRESS!

Even though Hudson was sick with a stomach bug, he rallied and put on his matching PJ's.... ready to go!

who's sick? not this guy!

Hudson couldn't wait to hand his ticket to the conductor

And Santa even brought him a bell!!!

And the most photogenic award goes to!!!

Even though hot chocolate is not traditionally good for an upset stomach, POLAR EXPRESS Hot chocolate MUST BE!

 

After the train ride, the boys were even treated to a trip on a merry-go-round!!!

 

Back at home, it was time for more family Chistmas time

Fun not only with Grammy and Papa

But also with his older cousins. Doesn't matter how many months go by between visits, Hudson has no problem warming up to these great kids!

Back at the house the boys ate together (while their Elves played on the Chandelier)

 

They cuddled and watched Thomas

Before we could head back to Virginia Beach for Christmas, Hudson asked to spend some time in Fredericksburg...

Nothing like some QT with Cookie

 The whole gang then journeyed south, and the house was prepared for a big Christmas Eve Dinner

The presents were out, the tree was decorated

who said you have to wear clothes when you open gifts?!?

Even when Daddy is busy in the Kitchen, it doesn't mean Hudson doesn't want to be right there with him. Toys on the counter top are just as much fun for Daddy!

 

Before we could go to bed, food must be left out for Santa!

Here's your carrot Rudolph!

  And then Santa came!!!

The next morning, Hudson declared, "It's Christmas?!?! Is Santa here??? Can I go give him a hug??? Even though he was not there, we still had fun. We opened stockings in bed, took at least one bite out of each piece of candy, and then went down to see what he had left!

Following all the happy days of the holidays, Hudson and Lucy went into a bit of hibernation.

They would show their heads from time to time to work on potty training, or to have a meal, or to ask to watch the Polar Express... Christmas may be over, but we are already counting the days till next year!!!