Christmas

We went to Colorado for Christmas. We didn't have a lot of time there, but what we did have was filled to capacity with fun, family, and friends.

On Christmas Eve Danielle, Mom, and I did all the baking. We didn't take any pictures, but we all decided a baking party is the way to go. It's the fun way to make dozens of cookies.

In the evening we opened our Christmas Eve pajamas. Beckett thought removing the paper (and then putting it back into the bag) was awfully fun. He never actually got to the part where the unwrapper removes the present from the wrapping.
Then we went to the Wilkins' house for games. Beckett didn't get to stay too long because it was his bedtime, but he sure enjoyed the time he had with the dog (who received lots of kisses) and the game tiles (which he pushed under the coffee table and tried to put down the heating vent).
It was fun to see the Wilkins and I liked the game we played, especially because it had so many architecture questions. Finally a game where I can put my education to good use.

The next morning, after Taggart and Danielle arrived in their pajamas, Dad made breakfast.
Beckett played light switches in his Christmas pajamas.
We all ate breakfast. Even Beckett, who generally eschews breakfast in favor of running around like a crazy kid.
Then it was time for this traditional (though less than flattering) down-the-stair picture and presents.
Stockings! No one can stuff a stocking like my mom.
Beckett was only mildly interested in his stocking.
What he really loved was this whirlygig from Nate's stocking. He kept giving it to us to twirl and throwing it over his head and laughing. It was pretty funny.
Evidence that holiday candy is sold earlier and earlier every year. We each got Cadbury mini eggs in our stockings, and no, they were not saved from last year.
Beckett had an enormous pile of presents.
It took us a while to convince him to give up the whirlygig (notice he's holding it in the above picture) and open his presents, but, once we did, he was thrilled with every toy he received. The cars and track were clearly a hit.
And Paige and I both gave Beckett this red truck. Actually it was a really funny because I let Beckett pick this toy out himself at the store, and I was on the phone with Paige at the time. Then she went to the store and chose it for him too. I guess it seemed like the perfect choice for button-loving Beckett.
Hanging with Grandpa.
One happy kid on Christmas morning.
Later that day, Beckett watched Super Why! with Grandpa.
In the evening the Danahers came over. We did the traditional gift exchange with a few modifications.
For instance, Taggart and Brandon gave each other this Marvel book/ quiz game.
Beckett thought watching Super Why! sounded more fun than opening more presents.
But he was easily won over by this Sesame Street radio that Sue gave him.
Perhaps one of the funniest things we did this year was play our Christmas flutes that came in the Christmas Crackers that Danielle brought. We actually got pretty good at Good King Wenceslas.
We played some pretty fun games this Christmas. Telestrations is hilarious.

Merry Christmas. We hope your holidays were as sweet as ours.