Well, Christmas 2008 is now in the books. It was by far the best Christmas experience I have had in a long time. I have always heard that Christmas is more magical in the presence of children, and now I know why. Seeing Christmas through Sarah's eyes brought back all the wonder of the holiday. We really did a lot of great pre-Christmas activities that I hope become traditions. We attended a "walk through the "streets of Bethlehem", drove around spying Christmas lights, attended the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo, met Santa, drank lots of hot chocolate (too much) while sitting around watching Sarah's (and my) favorite shows like Rudolph, Frosty, and the Polar Express. Whew! Below you will see how Sarah spent many December days leading up to the arrival of Chrismas.
This season, she became obsessed with Rudolph and Santa. We spent many days pretending to ride a sleigh and drop off gifts to good little girls and boys. One unforseen added plus of the season was my ability to promote good behavior in my little one with the simple phrase "Santa's watching". Her response was always the same. Ok, Ok, I was just kidding Santa! Thanks, Santa for all of your help this season.
On Christmas eve we opted to eat at Applebees rather than creating havoc in the kitchen (havoc would be created the next day instead). Sarah entertained the family by trying her first lemon. I love the fact that she will now try almost any food I offer. Here is the result.This season, she became obsessed with Rudolph and Santa. We spent many days pretending to ride a sleigh and drop off gifts to good little girls and boys. One unforseen added plus of the season was my ability to promote good behavior in my little one with the simple phrase "Santa's watching". Her response was always the same. Ok, Ok, I was just kidding Santa! Thanks, Santa for all of your help this season.
She quickly decided that she likes lemons!
This year, as in many past years, we had an OVER abundance of presents around the tree. My mom LOVES to buy presents for the family and here is the result. As you can see, half the floor is covered with boxes. Sarah had a great time opening all of the presents (she finally has the hang of it). I must admit, I chuckled when she would rip open a box containing clothes and fling it aside, looking for more toys (it reminded me of one of my all-time favorite movies, A Christmas Story. Here she is getting one of the few outfits that she paid any attention... a UK football jersey. Go Cats!
Here is my Dad. His expression says it all. He does not enjoy the opening presents portion of the holiday. I guess he is too frugal for this activity.
Here is Jason and Mom. If I had only known the suprise he had in store for us later in the night... Stay tuned for more information below.
Some of the best presents are not presents at all.
On Christmas Day, our family enjoyed a fest at the Coleman home. We were joined by Ashley's family, Brandy, David, Caden, Cohen, and her dad, Michael. It was a great time to relax and listen to the men swap stories.
The kids spent most of the day playing with toys. (We had to force them to stop long enough to eat a few bites).
Ashley gets some Christmas cuddles from Cohen.
Here is the present of the holiday in Sarah's book. The "Jump-o-leener"
Mom and Dad. We are so glad they came to join us this year. We had a great time with them.
Ashley and Jason. Boy they sure are good at keeping secrets...
Stay tuned.
Before everyone left, we asked for a few family photos.
The Coleman three,
The McReynolds two,
And Surprise! The McReynolds three. Ashley and Jason are having a baby! It is due in July. Congratulations guys! We are so excited to meet the newest member of the family soon.
Before everyone left, we asked for a few family photos.
The Coleman three,
The McReynolds two,
And Surprise! The McReynolds three. Ashley and Jason are having a baby! It is due in July. Congratulations guys! We are so excited to meet the newest member of the family soon.
This is definitely one of my favorite Christmas seasons ever!
