Fa La La La La La La La La!

We have been busy here at the Parker house for the past week and a half or so. Uncle Marshall arrived on the 12th, which was perfect because Brandon & I were able to attend his work Holiday party. It was nice to have an evening out, as I think August was the last time we were out together. No, I KNOW it was August!

The next day, we all went to find a Christmas tree. Much to my dismay, people don't "do" Christmas trees in the south like we do in PA. One of the greatest things about getting your Christmas tree, is cutting it down, right? Well, not so much here in Alabama...or in Shreveport...or in Lancaster, CA for that matter. Anyway, we found a beautiful tree and as you can see, Pierce was more interested in the tag than the tree. It's the small things in life! :) He did like helping with the decorations, even if he wasn't allowed to put them in his mouth.

While B and Marshall had some brother time, Pierce & I met our friends at the zoo. It was his first trip to the zoo out of utero. (I waddled around the zoo about a week before I had him) For those of you who don't know, he LOVES to be outside and LOVES leaves. So, when we took the train ride around the zoo, Pierce was in awe of all the TREES along the way...couldn't have cared less about the animals! Gotta love it! He had quite a few friends there, too. Jocelyn & Sarah are walking hand in hand, Anna really didn't want to be in her stroller and Rock was just chillin'.

While Brandon was finishing a lot of reading and writing his last paper before the holiday break, Marshall, Pierce & I were deligently buying gifts, wrapping gifts, hanging out together, etc. Ma & Doug arrived on the 20th, after a very long drive. As I quickly found out, any little noise made by Pierce was a signal for the closest visitor to pick him up....oh, how I hope he understands he will NOT be held like this in 2009! :)

Sarah, Anna & Pierce all exchanged gifts a couple days before Christmas. As you can see, Pierce was very interested in Sarah's book & CD. It's always good fun when they play together and always a great time for a photo op.

On Christmas Eve day, we took Pierce to the park, where he got to hang out on his blanket with Anna. No matter how many toys we put out for them, they really enjoy the toy the other one has! It was a fairly warm day, a little overcast and sort of windy, BUT we had good fellowship hanging out with our friends and family. As you can see, Pierce tried to wrestle his dad, Anna tried to wrestle Pierce, & Pierce got on the swings & jungle gym. Sarah and Allison had a great time playing together, too!

I'm currently baking the sweet potato pies, as the pumpkin pie cools. The house is warm and cozy and smells of the wonderful season that is upon us. We are so very blessed and can't wait to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Happy Birthday, Jesus! Merry Christmas...only 1 more day!