Christmas

We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas. We were able to spend time with both of our families, which was such a blessing.  Christmas Eve we decided to go to church here in Seattle before heading up to my parents' house. We were treated to a wonderful family service complete with a nativity scene, lots of singing, and action. Jack was thrilled and at one point was even standing on Tom's lap clapping and "singing" along!

Our trip to MV was easy. Thankfully it wasn't snowing, and there weren't many travelers on the road. We had Jack all bathed and in his PJs for the trip up there, hoping that he would fall asleep in the car. No such luck. He was awake the entire time and ready to play when he got to Grammy and gramps house! After several laps around the house, we did finally get him to sleep.

Christmas morning we woke up and opened stockings. Jack got a new hat (among other things), straight from Austria (my parents most recent trip). Doesn't he look like a peppermint candy?

  

We waited to open presents until Matt and Joanna arrived. Jack showed only a little interest in opening presents. He did like to tear off small pieces of wrapping paper and hand them to me. Mostly, though, he wanted to push his truck around the house or crawl up the stairs. His joy in these simple things was an excellent reminder that Christmas isn't about "things." We spent the rest of the day playing around the house. We took Jack outside and made him a sledding hill out of the snow shoveled off of my parents' driveway. He couldn't get enough of it!

We did dress Jack up for Christmas dinner, but we quickly took pictures and then let him get his "playing" clothes on. But for a while, he and Grandpa looked alike!

 

On Friday we went to visit Brita and her family. After a nice visit with them, we took Jack out to the barn to visit some of the calves. He was in awe as they licked Tom's hand.

On Saturday we left for the Roddas. We had a very relaxing day around the house. Well, Tom and I relaxed. Jack spent his time doing laps with his truck and playing in his new "fort" complete with slide. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of him in it (will have to do that when we get it set up at home).

Yesterday we came home. We had such wonderful times with our families, but it did feel good to be home again. We thought that Jack would pass out from exhaustion, but apparently he had other ideas....Last night we all were up the majority of the night. We think Jack is getting a molar, and boy does it sure hurt him!  We're all running on fumes today after a very long night. Hopefully tonight will be better...