Christmas Day...Part 1

I'm saying this is Christmas Day Part 1 since we were unable to spend Christmas Eve with my family (stupid snow!).
We spent the day with Toby's parents, brothers, sister-in-laws, and nephews. The morning started off with a wonderful breakfast. We then spent the next two hours opening presents and watching the snow fall.
I have to say, it was a very relaxing and enjoyable Christmas this year which made it that much nicer.

Christmas Morning

This Christmas morning was what we have been waiting for.
Anders woke-up around 5:30, had his bottle, and we thought would be heading back to bed. We were wrong. He was wide awake! So, we went to open presents. At first he wasn't too sure about what the big gifts were and what he should do with them. But with a little encouragement, he went at it. Anders loved his basketball hoop! He was making baskets right away. Now the other gift, the one that dad said would be perfect, Anders was not too sure about. I think the Power Wheels will need a little warming up to. Anders also got the hang of finding presents in his stocking.
Toby and I decided just to do stocking this year...we have already said we'll do presents next year! It just didn't feel the same.
After about an hour or so, Anders crashed and took a nice two hour nap. Classic.

Gingerbread

This year we were finally able to join back with the gingerbread crew. It's been a couple of years since we were able to participate in my family tradition of going to the home that I always loved going to...The Kautz house. We have been going to gingerbread as long as I can remember and I couldn't wait to have Anders be part of this tradition.
Linda always takes the time to make three different types of gingerbread homes. You then get the chance to pick your out and decorate!
It was great this year now seeing all of us who use to be the "kids" bring our growing family. The cycle has come back around and there are lot's of little feet throughout the house.
We didn't make a house this year, but Anders was able to play with other kids and loved watching others make their homes. I think next year we'll try it out. Most of all, I just loved being with our family friends and catching up!

First present of the year

This year we were able to participate in the Lion's Christmas held at the Elks. Thanks to Papa Ken, Anders great grandpa, Anders was able to meet Santa and get his first present of the holiday season. This was on December 15th, just before the snow would test our ability to see family over the holidays.
I was not sure how Anders would do with Santa this year, given he was only a few months old last year. But, Anders knows who the big guy is! He kept wanting to go up to see him while the other kids where getting their presents. When his name was called he walked right up to him and sat on his lap without any hesitation!

Snow Day or should I say "Snow Days!"

I still can't believe that we were getting snow for almost a week! When was the last time this had happened?! Well, we loved it while it was here but are now happy to have it gone.
Anders enjoyed the snow for the first couple of days but as the days went on I could tell he was wanting to be somewhere other than the house. Wait, maybe that we just me. Anyway, it was a couple days later that we went up to Toby's parents house to go sledding. We would have thought that Anders would love it but...he didn't. He went down the hill a couple of times with Dad and then spent the rest of the day inside playing with mom.
Toby on the other had loved the snow. He built a big throne in our backyard, jumped around in it like a little kid, and went sledding with his big brother, nephew, and his mom. Let's just say the next day Toby was sore.
Lady turned into the young pup that she was when she lived in Ellensburg. It's amazing how a dog acts so old but when there is snow, the aches and pains all go away. Out of all of us, I think she was heartbroken to see the snow leave.
Overall, I think we ended up with a couple feet of snow over a weeks time. Wow! I just wish that Anders was a little bit older to enjoy this. You know, the age where they want to be out all day and you have to drag them inside to warm up.

November here and gone!

This past month has really flown by. I still can't believe that it's already December! I've been busy at work with report cards and parent conferences. I'm ready for a little break. Toby is still working in town, which we're very thankful for. I do have to say that he had a great yearly review, so of course I'm proud of him. Anders is walking full speed ahead and wanting to be independent. He likes to see how far he can push and testing the parenting skills of Toby and I. We really are learning to be a team. It seems like everyday he's teaching us something and of course bringing more joy than I could imagine. The big thing for him now is carefully stacking blocks. I'm not just saying this because he's my son but he's DARN GOOD AT IT! He also will give you a hug if you ask for one, I think that's my favorite. Best of all, Anders is talking up a storm. We still can't figure out what he's saying but as long as he's trying to talk we're happy. I hope everyone is able to have a wonderful holiday with family and friends, I know we will!