This year Christmas began with the Norton's at our house before we went out of town. Papa G & Gamma E gave Nathan a motorized Thomas the Train set and Nathan has not stopped playing with it since. I don't even think they knew that trains are Nathan's Passion Bucket. (hahaha-that was for DP!) Can you see the big grin on his face? He LOVES trains.
Gary made Nathan giggle when he put this Christmas bow on his head...
And later, when just the three of us were opening gifts at home, Nathan completely mimicked Gary and put this Christmas bow on his head. It is so amazing what he remembers!
We had gifts that traveled all the way from Virginia. It was so sweet of my stepmom and sister to send care packages during such a busy time of year. As Greg opened a gift from Chapom, I was tickled that she remembered something from reading my blog-Greg likes Cheerios! Only a mom would remember something like that, I love that woman.
My sister sent Nathan some Thomas the Train books. No brainer, he stopped everything to study his new book, I love his posture here.
In Texas, it snowed on Christmas Eve and here is a 'bad mommy moment' of mine. I tried to get a picture of Nathan smiling and having fun in the snow but he didn't enjoy it at all, gee I wonder why-maybe because he was coooold?! Pictorial evidence of my bad mommy moment.
It's ironic, but Greg actually played the 2 Christmas Eve services for our old church. Seems strange that he can just grab his sticks and pick right up in the band no matter where he is but it's because he's cool like that. :o)
Despite the bad weather, we headed out to Uncle Geralds and Aunt Marilyns for the traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Here is Nathan and Grandpa Jack.
My mom.
Nathan opening a gift from Uncle Gerald and Aunt Marilyn.
The Todd kids; Taylor and the triplets, Jake, Tyson and Zack. Teryn,right in the middle somehow holding it all together. I'm in awe of her. Actually, I think everyone is in awe of her.
On Christmas, I incorporated something age appropriate for Nathan into our Christmas morning. I asked David to read the Christmas story from a children's book and then we lit candles on a cake and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. As corny as that may sound, I just want Nathan to understand that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, who is our greatest gift of life. I figured singing Happy Birthday and cake is what he understands at his age, so we incorporated this before opening gifts.
The family calendars I created were a hit, I was worried they might be to self-promoting but they seemed to like them.
Operation Surprise Greg = Mission Complete. After many years of being defeated one to many times, I once again attempted to surprise Greg with a Christmas present he wasn't expecting. Here's Greg opening a pair of much needed, very good quaility in-ear monitors for when he plays.
Here's Nathan practicing his letters in a book that Grandpa and Grandma gave him.
We finally make it to Tom and Nana's house, which is the pinnacle of Christmas for me. I don't know what it is but I love being in their home. This year we had a turkey emergency but fortunately a turkey was found at the last minute and Greg didn't have to put his fist through a wall-it was that close. Per Greg, "You don't have to give me any presents for Christmas but DON'T MESS WITH MY MEAL!" Getting the food ready.
The main crew at Table 1.
The frenzy and chaos of kids opening presents after lunch.
Nana opening her calendar.
Nathan with his cousins.
Greg provides tech support, even on Christmas. No day off for you mister!
The highlight of Nathan's day was Grandad's motorized train under the Christmas tree.
This train was like a babysitter, Nathan would sit in front of it for hours!
Until the train finally lulled him to sleep. How sweet is that?
Our parting picture with Grandad and Nana.
Parting picture of Nathan and his Grandpa.
If I counted right, I think that we had 5 Christmas'! It's no wonder, I'm tired. That's alot of work. :o) Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas season, here's to the New Year just around the corner!