Christmas Eve
Making Christmas tree decorations: popcorn/cranberry tinsel, paper pinwheels, and paper chains.
Passing the time before Santa's arrival
Christmas morning - believe it or not, you're looking at the same view from above. Apparently this is called a winter storm, a mythical event in my native South Texas. This was a real treat for me, and a welcomed nostalgic moment for the Colorado and Indiana natives I was with.
Checking out the snow
Can you tell which one is the morning person?
Time for presents
Checking out his stocking
Gavin got a box of animal crackers in his stocking, so he took a "breakfast" break and munched on his crackers while watching Nana and Uncle Tyler go through their stockings.
We had to take a break from opening gifts to go play in the snow. Part two of presents came later.
Presents Part Deux
Notice how everyone's attention is elsewhere, but Gavin will not be distracted from the business at hand.
More snow play. We meant to get a sled before we left for our trip, but it didn't happen and then we couldn't get off the mountain once the snow started, so we improvised. Gavin had a blast.
A random sampling of Day Three at the cabin
We had some friends drop by for a visit. Gavin wasn't so sure about sharing his new toys at first, but eventually came around.
Finally, day four.
I like to call this one "cabin fever"
2. I am home this week working on the panel wall and brick fireplace makeover. Thankfully my in-laws, who luckily aren't sick of me yet, are coming over to aid in this endeavor. I can remember my mom and I sitting together looking through home and interior decorating magazines and cutting out pictures of our favorite tablescapes and rooms. We would put snippets of our dream house in a folder. Now I finally have my own house and it is taking FOREVER to get it the way I envision and frankly as this is NOT our forever home, my motivation sometimes wanes. I've had to take off my dream-house hat and put on my just-get-it-ready-for-market hat. And well that hat just doesn't match my favorite pair of shoes like the other hat did.
3. Post-Christmas steals this year were a pre-lit wreath, some hand towels and some holiday dinnerware for when the Morrison Jrs finally get their chance to do the holiday party hosting and planning. Oh yes, the day is coming and I am excited. I have been looking forward to being able to do some holiday entertaining ever since Casey and I started our own home together, way back in 2007. Will 2011 be our year? I hope so. I'll have to remember not to forget the coffee next year, and of course replace all the wine glasses Casey and I have broken over the years. We're down to one. This year for Christmas I was responsible for two things, beverages and a dessert and guess who forced her caffeine-addicted family to endure a winter storm without coffee?
4. Tater tot has really adjusted well to his new school environment. It has definitely put me at ease with our decision. The exposure to an environment outside of a home, with more social interaction and some structured learning definitely suits his very active and curious nature. We are pleased. He has a BFF, Beau, and also a little girlfriend, Jordan, who has inspired a love of hats that did not previously exist. He used to hate hats, but now he wants to wear his hat, which is great, being winter and all. During the school week he had to adjust to one nap instead of two, but he's a champ and pulled through. His vocabulary has started improving and both his teachers have commented on his natural athleticism (excuse the proud mom boasting). No surprise here, we know all about G's love of The Ball. One of his favorite games, in addition to ball play, is running. He thinks its great fun to foot race his mom and dad around the yard or back and forth down the hall. Other things he really likes are planes (still), horses, trucks and his grandparents (both sets). He likes to ask about his Papas and his Nanas a lot, and more recently his Uncle Tyler or "Tie-your" as Gavin would put it. Don't worry Aunt Courtney & Co., I make sure Gavin is reminded of you guys a lot too. We like to look at our family photos together and practice saying everyone's names.
5. Casey and I will be ringing in the New Year in style this year. I'm slipping on the heels and wearing something that sparkles, and we're gonna dance our happy little rears off at a live show. This mama's about to get her wiggle on. Be there or be square!
6. We received some great news while celebrating Christmas. Some good friends of ours are expecting their first baby. We are THRILLED that their dream to start a family is finally coming true. They will make great parents. Its always fun to look forward to a new baby. Another thing to look forward to in the new year.
We are busy trying to get our house back in order and enjoying the last bit of holiday season. So I probably won't be seeing you blogger peeps until Next Year!!
"A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together." ~ Garrison Keillor
"I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying: 'Toys not included.'" ~ Bernard Manning
"Anyone who believes that men are the equal of women has never seen a man trying to wrap a Christmas present." ~ Unknown
