Christmas Festivities

We got an early start to Christmas in 2011.  This past year, Jason had to work on/over Christmas.  It was decided that because he'd be working on Christmas day and through the 28th, the kids and I would fly (um, I was absolutely terrified to fly alone with two kids, by the way...) to Utah on the 23rd to spend it with the Wright family, care of the fabulous Nate and Kristen.  (And we also got to surprise Grandma Janny, too - which was totally awesome!)

So, we had our own little Christmas on the morning of the 22nd.  

Then we had Christmas with the Wright's.

Then we had Christmas with the Smith's.

I think Lois was in heaven with all her Christmases.

Here's a recap of our little Tucson Christmas together. 

 Christmas Eve, while Simon was slumbering away, Lois, Jason and I read the story of the birth of Christ from the Bible.  Lois was really trying to be patient.

 I had bought a few games to have in the house and had wrapped them a couple weeks before Christmas and put them under the tree.  Lois inspected them EVERY single day.  She was pretty stoked to finally get to open them on Christmas Eve!  

She also opened some Christmas pajamas - a tradition that is still alive in the Smith family!

 It looks like Santa made it!  

And Lois loves her tricycle the most.

 We gathered in Lois' room Christmas morning.  Lois was pretty antsy to get downstairs.  Simon, on the other hand:  oblivious!  

  

 Lois got quite a few books from Santa, but this one was her favorite because it's about a chameleon.  Why is that significant?  Well, because Pascal, Rapunzel's side kick, just happens to be a chameleon!  That's how we roll around here.  That girl knows her princess trivia.

 This is a "jumping ball."  Lois is just figuring out how to bounce on it.  Good times!

 Leading up to Christmas, Lois repeatedly said, "Santa's bringing me a dog" or if you asked her what she wanted from Santa she'd reply, "A dog.  Or a hamster."  This is as close as she'll get to a hamster or a dog for a few more years.  This little fake hamster rolled all over the floor for days!

 Simon got a ball popper.  It was love at first sight.

If he'd just have the patience to let the balls pop out!  He kept grabbing the balls before they had the chance to pop out.  I love his concentrated look here.   

Recap of Christmas #2 and #3 are on their way!