St. Nick's Day and other stories

Several years ago, we decided to start the tradition of the stocking/gift giving to be celebrated on St. Nicholas day rather than Christmas to separate the meanings. This was our third celebration and Levi's first.
Here is our living room this year. Thank you, Sara, for the pretty scarf from Italy. I used it on our coffee table as the basis for my holiday color choices. It matches quite well to the tree skirt from Jan. It also matches my India coasters!
The only way I got things decorated and done was when I put Levi in the sling. Thanks to Hillary for showing me this sitting up position! Levi loves this position.
Andrew did the majority of the tree setting up and decor this year. He did a great job!


Levi's first toys. He loves that the little phone had children laughing recorded on it. It makes him giggle.The homemade candied almonds were a hit with Andrew.
Andrew surprised me with some chocolate covered espresso beans! (my fave!)
Other exciting things that have happened here are:
(1) Levi's first acknowledgment of baby rattle toy.
(2) Levi hugging hand made bear from good friend Bethany!
(3) Levi tried out his Jumperoo for the first time this last week. (a wonderful surprise gift at the baby shower)
(4) Levi loves showing off his tongue trick all the time now!

Part 3 - Stockings and Presents

Jan was the "Santa" passing out the gifts this year.
I think it is great that Louise is happy with her raisin box!
She is also equally as happy with the wrapping paper!
3 Generations of Georges enjoying baby George's first Christmas!
Violet with her Sock Monkey.
The stockings were opened on Thursday morning. The kids have great faces!

Part 2 - The Cousins

Levi's First Crandall Thanksgiving/Christmas Part 1

I just want to start out by saying we (I think I can speak for Andrew in this) are SO very grateful to Jan and Alan for hosting the WHOLE family this holiday season! Yes, all 17 of us!!! I feel so blessed to be able to get to know my in-laws better and love on all the nieces and nephews while showing off our precious Levi. I do want to mention that all these photos should be "Clickable" for a larger view and/or to save them in a larger format. I will be posting more soon as I am able.

This first photo is of another large statue we ran across in our 9 hour trek to Iowa. What is UP with Minnesota and their desire to put up large statues.

Here is Sadie's first opportunity to hold Levi. She really took to Levi and asked to hold him every day.Our proud moment taking over Los Aztecas. I still don't understand how they can milk those tiny little Chihuahuas to make the amazing Chihuahua cheese dipping sauce ;) We also enjoyed the Christmas Tree exhibit. I think the children's favorite part was this giant remake of "American Gothic". They ran around and around the legs. I guess this shows you that the large statue trend has spread from Minnesota. :)Levi loved this event the best I think because there were so many lights to look at.Proud Daddy! Gorgeous husband!