There were several steps to Christmas around here. I am of the philosophy that Christmas should be celebrated in stages with little ones so as not to overwhelm them on Christmas day (I also have little patience for waiting).
Stage 1: Presents from Grandma Meg
It began with the arrival of my mother's package for the boys. I let them open their presents as soon as they got here.
Noah somehow figured out how to open the package without any assistance-- is it instinctual?
His efforts were properly reinforced when he found this phone waiting for him inside.
Luke was thrilled with the crayons and cozy clothes he found inside his.We have arranged for Santa to visit our house early every year since Luke has been born. This means we don't have to truck all the toys down to N.L. to be opened there.
Noah got a cuddly teddy bear (he picked it out himself but doesn't have the memory or vocabulary to rat Santa out).
Luke got the Diego animal caller (this was his one request of Santa-- he told me two days before it was time to go. I got the last one at Toys-R-Us after having checked two other stores- sheesh!)
We enjoyed good food and wonderful company at Grandma Barb's the day before Christmas eve. It's always nice to see that part of the family (even if Nat's cousin Tim chided him for knitting).Stage 4: Christmas Eve at Marshall Field’s Macy's Walnut Room
The Fredins have been going to Marshall Fields for Christmas Eve for many years. It has been a fun tradition to be a part of. We have continued to go even after it has become Macy's. I have to confess though, the food is getting worse.
The Fredins have been going to Marshall Fields for Christmas Eve for many years. It has been a fun tradition to be a part of. We have continued to go even after it has become Macy's. I have to confess though, the food is getting worse.
Luke, Ivy and Courtney did enjoy their snowmen Sundaes.
Ivy was so quick I couldn't get a picture of the snowman with his head intact.
Noah shared his Dad's Frango mint pie.Stage 5: Christmas Morning
I LOVE this picture. Nat's hair is the best.
Luke and Noah enjoyed their stockings.Stage 6: Opening Presents
The best present-- a smile from Hank who managed to scoot himself under the couch while no one was looking.
Matching cousin outfits.
Doug had to take a break from garbage collecting to open a present or two.
This vest and pith helmet have only left Luke's body for baths and meals (because it's too special to get food on) since he got it.
Look at Ivy's cute nightgown.We are currently in the final stage of Christmas-- finding places for all our new treasures, getting back on schedule, and CLEANING!
Hope everyone's Christmas was as merry as ours!
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