Christmas 2012

Christmas morning is so so so much fun with a toddler! We spent weeks educating Quinn about Santa Claus; watched Santa movies, read Santa books, went to see Santa, talked constantly about Santa. In fact I think we went a little too far with the Santa education because on Christmas Eve when we asked him what Christmas was about {despite the Little People Nativity set we've been playing with since Thanksgiving} his answer was "Santa Claus!" oops. And on the way home from Christmas Eve church service after singing "Joy to the World" at church Q was singing "joy joy joy joy Santa Claus!" in the car on the way home.  We were probably even more excited than him though to see his face when he came down the stairs Christmas morning to the pile of goodies left by Santa. 

At first coming down the stairs he was overwhelmed and didn't even know what to say or do.  It didn't take long for him to start playing with his new play kitchen though. It did take some time for us to get him to leave the play kitchen to open other presents, but by sometime in the early afternoon he had made his way through all of his goodies. He particularly enjoyed Skyping with both our families and showing them all his new toys.  Technology sure makes being away from family for holidays much easier.

 Q's Nana and Granpop gave him his very own real guitar which he has hardly put down since he opened it. He loves to sing and play and his current original song goes something like this, "one, two, santa baby, yea!"

 Daddy is thrilled that Q has his own guitar now because now daddy gets to play his own guitar without help from little hands. Q's new favorite thing to do is have jam sessions with dad. It is adorable watching them because Q copies Sam's every move. Sam pushes his sleeves up and Q pushes his sleeves up, Sam stops playing for a second and Q stops playing and looks up at Sam.

Q getting a guitar lesson from daddy the day after Christmas

 Q absolutely loves his big present from Santa, his play kitchen. {And it's a good thing because this play kitchen took Santa's elves over 3 hours to assemble!}

It is fun watching him cook because it is clear that he has been paying attention when we cook based on how he mimics every little thing like when to turn on the stove and using an oven mitt when putting things in and out of the oven.

 His godparents gave him his Melissa & Doug pots and pans and his Melissa & Doug fruit cutting set. He loves cutting apart his velcro fruit pieces and cooking with them!

Rockin out 

 Both kids got new stuffed puppies for Christmas. Q's has a microwavable packet to make it warm with a lavender scent for sleeping with. {mommy might be stealing that...}

 Another big present from Santa was his Radio Flyer tricycle. He barely can reach the pedals but I predict he will be zooming around here in no time once he gets an extra inch or so.  His Mom-mom and Pop-pop also gave him a balance bike which he loooves but we had to put away because he can only reach the floor with his tippy toes and gets frustrated that he can't operate it on his own.  I know he'll be loving that as well once he gets a couple more inches.

 LK's big gift from her Mom-mom and Pop-pop, which Q seems to think was intend for him, was a Radio Flyer red wagon. It is a pretty neat wagon with flip up seat backs. As much as LK loves her big brother I think it makes her love her gift even more with him riding in it with her!

LK passed out with her new paci and new kitty rattle after a busy morning playing with new toys

 We are having so much fun enjoying all the fun new presents the kids received {and the new camera lens I received that took all these pictures :-)} but are most grateful for God's gift to mankind, Jesus. I hope as our kids grow they will also love and appreciate the true reason for the season!