christmas in asheville

 We spent about a week in Asheville over Christmas.  With a carefully orchestrated schedule, we had so much fun celebrating Christmas with both sides of our family.

We started out the week at the Hymel house.  Jon, Kelsey, and Farrin were all in town so it was nice to have everyone together.  Lucas of course was spoiled by everyone, but especially by his Nana and Poppy.

Always more interested in eating the paper than what's inside

Lucas's very own teddy bear!  Uncle J knew Lucas would love his teddy just as much as he used to.

Nanny Farrin helping Lucas open his gift from her

such a fun bath toy! the whale squirts water from his spout

a Charlie Brown Christmas!

Everyone had too much fun, even the dogs :)

the crew at a brunch at the Summey's house

the crew again

The later part of the week we headed to the lake to have Christmas with the Hudsons.  Lucas enjoyed hanging out with his cousins, Carly, Lily, and Savannah, Uncle John and Aunt Gina, Uncle Wes and Aunt Sis (Steph), Granny and Grandad, and MiMi and PaPa.

MiMi and PaPa with the grandkids!

the crew

Lucas with his cousins

The girls heading on their Christmas scavenger hunt. I can't wait until Lucas is old enough to run around with them!

Lucas had too much fun watching the girls go crazy over all things Justin Bieber, so he just crashed!

Carly was especially fascinated with Lucas. She held him all night and was so so sweet to him. She told us her favorite part of Christmas at the lake was opening presents and holding her baby cousin. She would pet his hair and talk about how soft it was, and at one point she told Brandon's mom "MiMi, my cousin Lucas is a boy and he is really cute. But he has eyelashes like a girl!"

Lucas loves his LeapFrog dog, Scout! It's programmed to say his name, sing to him, and talk about his favorite things.

ham.

It was such a sweet time, getting to spend Christmas with our families. I am filled to the brim with overwhelming joy and thanksgiving when I think of how well our families love Lucas. Everyone made sure that Lucas's first Christmas was so special, and for that I am so thankful.