Long time, no blog…
We celebrated Mommy’s birthday on December 11. Mommy’s birthday was almost a week earlier, but this was the first time that we were able to gather her whole family together to celebrate. We went over to Grandma and Grandpa G’s house. We combined the celebration with thanksgiving, since we had not yet gathered together to celebrate Thanksgiving, either. The whole family was there. Eric had fun visiting with everyone. Eric especially enjoyed playing with cousin Tyler.
Christmas is coming! We decorated the tree after Thanksgiving. We shopped for gifts for all of our loved ones. We wrapped the presents in colorful paper, some with bows. Eric visited Santa at the mall. When Eric sat on Santa’s lap, he told Santa that he wanted a “red present and a big stick” for Christmas. That should be easy for Santa! Eric also reminds everyone that he wants a candy cane!
Christmas Eve! This year, we spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa G’s house. Mommy made lasagna, and Grandma made spaghetti and meatballs. We visited, ate dinner, and opened presents. Eric took a nap after dinner, so we started opening presents without him. We went slowly, so we would not finish before Eric woke up. Eric loved opening presents, but he had difficulty moving to the next present. With each new toy that he opened, he wanted to play with it right then. He stood and waited for me to open the box, undo all of the packaging, and install the batteries. This was repeated for every toy. The first toy was a remote controlled car. He also got a pillow pet, a story book, candy, and a toy train. He was very excited for each gift! We had to get home before bedtime, so Eric could get to sleep before Santa came to town.
…controlling his R/C car.
Christmas morning! Santa visited our house while we slept. He delivered lots of new toys for Eric! Santa was very busy. He had to rearrange our furniture to make room for Eric’s presents around the Christmas tree in our living room. Santa must bring lots of elves with him. He probably uses some of his magic, too. Santa brought a giant cardboard house for Eric to play in. He also brought a cycle video game and lots of Chuggington train tracks and chuggers. Puzzles, books, candy, and pac-man, too. Eric had so much fun playing with his new toys. He had some trouble deciding which ones to play. He went first to the Chuggington track set with the loop. He played this for quite a while before moving on to the house and the video games. He was so excited and busy that he forgot to open all of his presents from Santa. We interrupted him, so we could open our presents from each other. Mommy and Daddy got him some cool new shirts. Daddy got Mommy a new camera. Eric got Mommy a case for her new camera. Eric got Mommy a new piggy bank, since hers was broken. Mommy loves to save coins! Eric also got Mommy a new 2011 spa night coupon calendar. Just like 2010, this calendar includes 2 coupons for each month that Mommy can redeem for a hot bubbly bath with soothing music and peace and quiet. Eric and I work hard to make Mommy’s bath night special with music, candles, and a bubble bath. We also try to be very quiet while Mommy enjoys her bath. I think this is Mommy’s favorite gift last year and this year. Mommy got me some clothes and new headlights for my car. After presents, I made breakfast. Mommy cooked the bacon, and I made pancakes. I made the usual Mickey Mouse pancake for Eric, and I made a special snowman pancake for Mommy. Eric really liked the snowman pancake.
…playing pac-man with Daddy.
Christmas day! This year, we went to Grandma and Grandpa D’s house for Christmas Day. After breakfast and the novelty of the toys began to wear down (a little), we packed up the car to go to Grandma and Grandpa D’s house. We arrived a couple hours before dinner. We settled in and unpacked the car. We spread all of our gifts around the Christmas tree. Eric could hardly wait to play with Grandpa’s trains. Grandpa had shown the train to Eric on the web-cam a couple weeks earlier. Eric talked about the train almost every day until Christmas. He played with the train for a long time. Eric’s cousin Jake played with him, too. Eric had so much fun playing with everyone. All of his aunts and uncles and cousins were there.
After dinner, we all gathered in the family room to open presents. Eric was Santa’s little helper this year. His job was to help Grandpa hand out all of the gifts to everyone. This is a big job, as we have 17 people gathered for the celebration. Eric worked hard at helping Grandpa. He repeatedly asked, “Is this one for me?” He was sometimes disappointed but always continued to help Grandpa. Eric took several breaks from his work to open a gift for himself. He got many gifts from everyone: shirts, pants, socks, books, DVDs, games, toys, candy, and more. He was having so much fun!
…admiring Grandma’s new slippers.
Mommy and I are so proud of Eric! He behaved so well through all of the Holiday activities despite the missed naps, late nights, changed routines, crowds of people, and all of the other distractions and excitement. Most of all, we are proud that Eric recognizes that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday!
Happy New Year! We went to a party at a friend’s house for the New Year celebration. Eric stayed up until 10pm and then he was down and sleeping within minutes. He was thoroughly worn out. He had so much fun playing with the other little kids! We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing. Eric and I sat back and watched several DVDs of Veggie Tales. He loves these new DVDs that he got for Christmas. He also asks every day if we can “build these?”, referring to his new Lincoln Logs. This is a new year! We are grateful for all of the blessings received this past year, and we are looking forward to all of the exciting new adventures ahead of us!
