Christmas Celebrations

For the first time in our married life, we were able to be at our house for the whole day on Christmas! No traveling! My mom and Jim were gracious enough to break with tradition and come to our house to celebrate this year so that we didn't have to travel with both kids. Kaitlyn was looking forward to Santa coming. She dutifully left out cookies and milk the night before. But when I went in her room the next morning and told her that Santa left her a lot of presents, she threw her face into her pillow and mumbled something about not wanting to see Santa. She thought he was still in the house! After finally convincing her that Santa was safely back home at the North Pole, she decided to come out of her room and investigate the presents. Eventually she warmed up to the whole thing and enthusiastically opened presents. It took a while to get through them all, though, because she wanted to stop and play with every toy that she opened.

Ethan didn't know quite what to make of everything, but he enjoyed playing with his new bus.

When mom and Jim came in with their presents, it was like Santa had come all over again. This helicopter was a big hit with Kaitlyn. In fact, her favorite toys were a train, a bus and a helicopter. Her fascination with transportation and vehicles continues! She's already commandeered Ethan's new Thomas the Train book and his Cars book.

Ethan will eventually like his new bath boat, but right now he's much more into eating wrapping paper!

Kaitlyn is showing Gran her new Dora book.

The next day, we went to Memphis to celebrate with Jeff's family. Everyone converged on Jess' house for a few days. 12 adults and 4 small kids all in the same house! But it was tons of fun!!

As always, Kaitlyn loves playing with Papa Greg. She's showing off her new blocks to him.

Noah got a new drum set for Christmas (Jess and Adam are much braver than I am!!). I really thought Kaitlyn would hate it since she's not a fan of loud noises, but I guess seeing Noah play it put her at ease. She eagerly took her turn at the drums and pounded to her heart's content!

One night, some friends came over for a jam session with Jeff and Andrew. Noah was eager to join in the fun with his drums. When he got finished, Kaitlyn took over and tried her hand and playing with the boys. I really hope she inherits some of Jeff's musical abilities. She's getting nothing musical from my side of the family!!

A family picture

Gigi and Bobby with Ethan

Kaitlyn and Ethan at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. One day, I'm going to get a picture where they are sitting beside each other and both are looking at the camera and smiling. One day.