A Special Gift to Elijah from His Pops

So recently, Elijah has shown quite a bit of interest in hunting. Actually, pretty sure that it isn't the hunting but more getting to shoot his gun. 

Well, low and behold, Pops has decided to build Elijah his own deer stand on their property. So, when we were there Pops and Byron worked on getting the pillars up. 

But the best part of this experience is that Pops let Elijah actually "DRIVE" the tractor by himself. He was thrilled and he was so proud of himself, as he should have been because we sure were. 

Seeing this occur just reminded Byron and I how fast Elijah is growing up!

Final 2016 Christmas Celebration in Raleigh

So after our enjoyable visit in Petal, we drove to Raleigh to see Nana and Pops and enjoy our final Christmas celebration for 2016. Elijah was enjoying the presents continuing on for a few more days.

 The official present hander-outer

 Nana and Pops 

 These two :)

 His first official suit

And yes, this is something he really did want.

Elijah enjoys dressing nice. 

 Go Air Force

Elijah and Byron got matching Chef aprons and hats

Christmas Continues in Petal

The morning of December 26th we left home traveling to Mississippi to see both sets of grandparents. Our first stop was in Petal to see Grandma and Granddaddy. We were thrilled so to see so many family members this visit. Elijah had a great time playing with Neil and Grandma's next door neighbors, who both happen to be boys and one of them Elijah's age. 

Second round of presents

 Lindsay and Ashton 

(Uncle Blake's and Aunt Michele's beautiful daughters)

No peeking

Byron (middle child), Blake (youngest), Brenda (oldest) and Grandma (Evelyn)

And of course, Elijah had to get in on the family picture - Ha!

Christmas Morning 2016

Santa was very good to Elijah this year. He brought him what he had ask Santa for and 2 more.

Another great Christmas morning in the books

"Nerf Gun" central :)

Christmas Eve 2016

Christmas Eve 2016

 Didn't need a fire on Christmas Eve, but decided to have one anyway

 Silly Boy

 Think he like it? I would say YES!

 This smile 

 Target practice time

 This Nerf gun is almost as big as he is

 Milk for Santa

Ready for Santa 

Which List? and Cookies

Elijah got a special video message from Santa. This special video was bringing the verdict of which list Elijah was on. He wasn't real sure what list this year he made...we were worried :) 

 Waiting patiently 

 Fingers crossed

 YES! The nice list :)

 Making cookies for Santa

 All done

 Getting Santa's table ready 

Letter from Elijah included

 Last night for Jingle Bells to be with us