Christmas Wrap-up

My camera finally came out of hiding during the month of December and this post is proof.  Here is our month in a nutshell.

I'll start by saying that this Christmas was by far the most fun with Colin.  He understood so much more and was definitely excited to celebrate.  We kicked off the season with our 2nd annual Holiday Lights parade.  Unfortunately, the photos from that night didn't turn out.  Just trust me that the three of us had fun looking at the floats and eating ridiculous amounts of Tootsie Rolls.

Up next was a visit to Santa.  What a difference a year makes!  Colin was pumped to sit on Santa's lap and rattle off what was on his Christmas wish list.  I think he was just as excited about donating the "green noodles" (Herb & Cheese Pasta Roni) though. :) 



"I want a Super Why skateboard & a Buzz Lightyear airplane."



Perhaps the highlight of the month for John and I was Colin's daycare Christmas program.  The preschool class sang "Away in a Manager", "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", and "All I Want for Christmas".  We were so proud of him - he really did a great job!

Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Loppy came one Saturday to celebrate Christmas with us.  We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon by the fire and Colin was spoiled with treats, clothes, jammies, and a toy cash register.  He now requires us to pay him for sandwiches, fruit and pizza that he makes!  

This is the new equipment requirement when playing hockey downstairs:
Chest pads, helmet, and "hockey gloves".

We traveled to Tracy a few days before Christmas and spent the holiday with Grandma and Grandpa Rau.  The weather was pretty chilly so we spent a lot of time playing piano, cars, tennis, and foosball downstairs.  We did manage to get a few sled runs in across the street.

Colin helped leave a few cookies and a glass of milk for Santa before church on Christmas Eve.  He couldn't believe it when we came home and there were only crumbs left on the plate and a plump stocking hanging by the chimney!  His hat and coat didn't even come off - he dug right in to his stocking to find a Thomas toothbrush, book, lacing cards, and treats.



"Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!"



Santa brought the "Super Why" skateboard - thanks to Uncle Andy.
He made stickers (which you can't see here) to transform it.

Each of us was spoiled over the last month and we're so thankful for the time spent together as a family.  Merry Christmas and Happy 2013!