Christmas 2011

It is hard to believe that it has been nearly 3 weeks since Christmas. I have a bit of updating to do, I know. So I will attempt to cram as much as I can into this one post. I will spare many details and let the pictures tell the story of our family's christmas.

CHRISTMAS EVE
On Christmas Eve, our church has a candlelight service. My family all loaded up and headed out the door with lightweight sweaters and no coats. The weather here in Iowa has been insanely warm and dry. When we should have inches of white stuff on the ground, we have green/brown grass instead. I have to admit that I miss the snow but not having to bundle up Cael has been really nice.
Here is our handsome little boy ready for church. He looked so stinking cute in his sweater vest.

He's texting his friends. ;) Actually he is "pooosh" (pushing) the buttons. He LOVES to "pooosh" buttons no matter where they are. He will say POOSH until you let him push whatever it is that he thinks needs to be pushed. Silly boy! He is defintely persistent.

 

 

After church, we tried to capture a COUSIN picture in front of the Christmas tree. Of course, trying to manage a 5 month old, a 14 month old, a 4 year old and a 7 year old..when it is past bedtime..and it IS Christmas...this is the best picture that we could come up with. I would say that with all the given circumstances, this picture turned out pretty nice!!

 

CHRISTMAS MORNING


TRACTORS
"taahter"..kind of sounds like he is saying "dah dah"
(insert lil boy motor noises)

 

 

 

RACECARS
I'm not sure who is more excited about this gift..daddy or Cael?! Oh wait, I think the picture (that was exaggerated on daddy's part;)tells the story itself. This was a gift that Pete wanted to get Cael for many reasons. He loves the Hot Wheels cars and plays with them often. Since we knew he loved cars, Pete thought it would be a good idea to get him a track to run the cars on. Pete has vivid memories of building a race track for his Hot Wheels, when he was a kid. He felt that this was something that Cael needed for his collection.

 

 

BOOKS
We LOVE books!

 

Gotta love MICKEY MOUSE!

 

PUZZLES

 

WRAPPING PAPER
Honestly Cael really wanted nothing to do with opening presents. He is really starting to take off with walking, so he was enjoying his new found freedom of walking. These pictures were taken at Granny and Pa's house Christmas morning. We traveled a long distance of about 200 yards to my parents house that morning. We enjoyed some time together eating brunch and opening gifts.

 

Or playing with christmas toys that have been out for weeks! Who needs NEW toys, right!??!

 

A Few Days After Christmas--Another Family Christmas

Of course, not interested in the gifts to be opened but more interested in walking behind the recliner. There was plenty of "toys" (or electronics) that were much more interesting, so he thought.

 

Uh..Cael you have a gift to open..

 

A Few Days After that Family Christmas--Another Christmas/Birthday Party
A new scooter from his Great Grandma and Great Grandpa..and he LOVES it.

 

 

A TENT
Who would have thought that a tent could be entertaining?! A great gift that he recieved from Pete's Aunt, Uncle and cousins. I foresee many hours will be spent in this gift.

 

Every year it seems that Christmas time becomes a little bit sweeter. I have noticed as I get older, I spend more time reflecting and appreciating things more. As our small little family prepared for Christmas, we started a tradition of wrapping Baby "Jesus" in a blanket and placing him under the tree. We want this to be a constant reminder and conversation starter each year of why we celebrate this holiday.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.