Christmases Past

I have a friend, Cyndee, who decorates her mantel each year with Santa pictures throughout the years... just in those L-shaped plastic stand-up frames (her reason was how the nestled together for easy storage!). She did this because her mom did this too (and even made you "sit" on Santa's lap no matter your age, so she could see the family dynamics change). She said her mom's eventually filled the mantel and extended across the window sills in the living room. I'd really like to do this! Then, this year, I saw my friend Kendra post pictures from past Christmases. I love the idea of capturing your family each year and making the comparisons. I decided to do this post on Christmases past (more because then my blog book will have a few shots from the "pre-blogging" Christmases. So here they are:

• 2003 (no need to start pre-kids, right? Actually, just too lazy to scan them in.) Cooper was 5 weeks old. We traveled from Cleveland, where Andrew was in his first year of dental school, to visit our families in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene. We attended the Gatten Family Reunion in Hope, ID, and also had Cooper's baby blessing. He was the best present either of us had ever received! 

• 2004 Cooper was 13 months old. This picture was actually taken at the TV station, where Dad was signing his papers to join the Air Force. He received a scholarship to pay for his last 2 years of dental school. We once again traveled to visit our families this Christmas. I love the 4-generation picture with Nana and Great-Grandpa Lee. Also pictured, your Grandpa and Grandma Larson. Christmas morning at the Larsons. Your favorite present, your slinky. 

• 2005 Cooper was 2, and I was bursting at the belly with Gunner, who was born 12/29/05. We stayed in Cleveland, missing out on the Gatten Family Reunion, but loved having Christmas at our own home, and starting some of our own traditions. We bought our tree at a garage sale. Loved going to Lake Farmpark and building a toy in Santa's workshop. Had Christmas Eve dinner at the Bentley's, and had them over on Christmas Day. Cooper's favorite presents were his train set, and his life-sized Elmo. 
  

• 2006 Visited Lake Farmpark again with our dental school friends in Cleveland. We sure love these guys (Bentleys, Lees, Munds). Cooper was 3, Gunner almost 1. We did make it to visit our families in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, enjoying Christmas Eve at the Gattens, and Christmas Day at the Larsons. 

• 2007 We were living in St. Louis, where dad was in his AEGD residency at Scott Air Force Base. We sat on Santa's lap at the USO Christmas Party, and the Breakfast with Santa at the farm. Cooper was 4, Gunner almost 2. Visited family in Spokane/Coeur d'Alene. Attended the Gatten Family Reunion in Hope, ID, where Cooper skied for the first time. Had Christmas Eve/Morning in the condo. Favorite presents: light sabers! 

• 2008 Living at Whiteman Air Force Base near Kansas City. Stayed here for Christmas. Missed our families, but loved having our own traditions and staying in our pajamas all day! Sat on Santa's lap LOTS of places. Favorite present: Batcave from Santa. Beckett's first Christmas at 7 months old. He LOVED the wrapping paper! Cooper 5, Gunner almost 3.