Christmas 2008

As I said in an earlier post, we spent Christmas in Chicago this year. The drive wasn't bad at all. We did it in a little over 10 hours, stopping 3 times. Addison was an angel the whole trip. We only stopped for gas. The Pilot made for great traveling. I can't believe we didn't take any pictures on the way out. Oh well. There will be more trips to Chicago.

These first two are from the church Christmas party here at home. Santa (Uncle Dan) made an appearance.

Checking him out... wait for it... wait for it...

Yep, we knew it was coming.

On to Chicago.

Downstairs at the Erickson house, we had a huge lunch buffet for some 27 people, both Ericksons and Schieks. I think I got everybody.

Martha and Caleb playing nice.

Joshua didn't want anymore corn flake and potato casserole. Seriously, and it's quite good.

Grandma Joy is telling him just how good it really is.

Nobody ever takes a picture of the guy taking the pictures. I felt Uncle Mike needed to make an appearance.

A Christmas kiss for Daddy.

Addison, playing with a gift from Mommy and Daddy. Notice the "Oooo" face.

Big Cheese! If you look close, you can see her little fat lip. She fell trying to walk.

The Erickson family photo.

And the Schiek family photo.

Martha actually cleaning something. I thought this was photo and blog worthy. We can use it as proof later on.

A Boyd family picture.

And we had to have one with Jacko. Notice the natural animosity between Addy and Jackson.

After everyone left, we opened gifts as a family. Addy is opening a gift from Grandma and Grandpa.

Playing with Jackson. Don't mess with his squirrel.

Getting cozy, ready to watch Dark Knight. It's not that scary, Leah.

In total, we spend 8 days in Chicago. It was really a fun trip, and it's always nice to get away. Addy loves playing with her cousins. I love spending time with the in-laws, and I know Amanda misses her family. It's great getting together with the Ericksons.

The rest of these photos are from the remainder of the trip.

"Applebottom Jeans, boots with the fur..."

We wondered if we could put that mullet into a pony tail, and we could. Addy didn't appreciate it.

Grandma Joy, with Caleb, Joshua, and Addison.

It wouldn't be an Erickson get-together without some Guitar Hero.

Amanda and Addy with Great-Grandpa and Grandma Len and Lucy.

Over at Great-Grandpa and Grandma Bill and Donna's. We went over to watch the Eagles destroy the Cowgirls to make the playoffs. That was one of the greatest days of my life - seriously.

A Four Generations Picture.

Great-Grandma Donna, Grandma Joy, Mommy, and Addison.

Trimming the Tree

We headed to Chicago for Christmas this year. That didn't mean we couldn't put a tree up in the house. Addison thought the tree was the coolest. Real tree all the way - none of that fake stuff.

She helped put the star on the top.

This was a test shot. I don't remember what we were testing, but we were. Amanda did get a new 'do'. (Is that how you spell hair-do?)

Addison all tangled in the lights. This is before she thought she was stuck.

Helping Mommy put an ornament on the tree.

The end product.


Now it was time to take our Christmas Card picture.
I present... the out takes.


We wanted to take a few of just Addison first.

She was done with that after three pictures.
Let's do a family one quick.



*Click*
Over here Addy!

*Click*

No, up here Addison! Uh-oh, she doesn't look happy.

*Click*

Ok, now you're being silly!

*Click*

I think we got it!

Then and Now...

December 2007

Addison, leaving the hospital and heading home for the first time.

December 2008

Bouncing on the couch, in full toddler mode.

Happy Birthday Addison!

Addison turned 1 on December 11th. The year flew by so fast, and it's amazing to see how much she has changed over the past year. We celebrated with about 30 people at Grandma and Grandpa Boyd's house.

Daddy had to work early that day, but we got her up to give her her first gift and sing Happy Birthday to her. She was awake already (we're not crazy).

At the party, in her new Pottery Barn chair. She loves to climb in and grab a book to read. (Even if she holds it upside-down.)

Part of Addison's new 'Applebottom' outfit, courtesy of Megan. Addy's more into the ribbon.

Best bud Mia made it. Addy was happy to see her.

"It's my party and I'll whine if I want to!"

Uncle Jim drew her this beautiful portrait. We were very surprised. I always knew my Uncle Jim could draw, but this was really good, and it is something we and Addison will cherish.

Cake time!

Addison really didn't want to 'dig in'. We were surprised. She was content to pick at it with her fork, as a young lady should.

A little messy, not much.

Her "Oooo..." face. We got that a lot that day. Everything was "Oooo..."!

This is the best we could do for a family pic.

Addy and her Uncle Jim checking out the new toy.

Addison and her pile of gifts...and it's not even Christmas yet!