Christmas

We spent Christmas in Alabama this year.  Grandma and Grandpa had the tree decorated with all the trimmings.

Santa left Isaac a couple of very special presents in very special packaging just for him. 

Grandma made sure Isaac had a full tummy before the festivities began.

When Isaac saw the tree for the first time Christmas morning he found a car!  The perfect size, just for him.  He was one happy camper and couldn't wait to get in and test it out. 

Isaac shared his toys with Grandpa too.

Grandma and Grandpa opened their new Christmas ornament from Isaac.

Papa got a special package from Santa too!  He must have been good this year as well. ;)

Isaac wasn't crazy about going outside to share Christmas wishes with Goose the yellow lab.  He opted to sit inside and look out the window instead while Goose opened his very open Christmas present.

Mama helped Isaac learn how to use his new toy.

It was difficult to conceal the identity of a wrapped ball without wrapping it inside a box but Isaac didn't seem to mind.

Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed spending Christmas with all of us but having Isaac just makes everything more special.

Isaac is still working on his unwrapping skills.  He had to take a nap in the midst of opening gifts.  He might actually be on to something too.  It's a great way to extend the fun and have something to open all day long.  Before dinner he opened a special gift from Auntie Fiona.

We all had a wonderful day.  To say we're blessed in so many ways just doesn't seem sufficient.  :)

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas eve!  Not that Isaac had any clue what was going on or that he really cared.  However, grandma was fully prepared and pulled out some colorful puzzle squares for Isaac to play with.

He had a lot of fun pulling up the squares.

And trying them on.

Last year we went to the Christmas Eve service with my parents and planned to go again this year although I was very hesitant.  Isaac, sitting still and being quiet for longer than five minutes?

I made sure we sat in the very back and I was armed with snacks and comfort items.  Isaac sat on my lap for a bit, then papa's, then grandpa's.  He was fully entertained with grandpa's watch.....for a few minutes at least.  The Christmas service had a Polar Express theme and I took Isaac down front with all of the kids for a short story.  He didn't want to sit still there either but he enjoyed getting his very own bell.  Let's just say we didn't make it through the entire service this year although we did try.  I took Isaac to the lobby to minimize the disruption.  If Isaac had his way he would have ran around, up and down the aisles and probably crawled under the pews.  We decided to save that adventure for another time. :)

Holiday Time

We arrived at Grandma and Grandpa Strickling's for Christmas.

Frazer and Isaac went out to the farm with dad so Isaac could see the cows. Isaac was all bundled up but he had fun with papa on the 4-wheeler and helped Grandpa feed the moo-moo cows.

That evening I downloaded a few toddler application on the ipad for Isaac to play with.  He was more interested in swiping the screen than watching or listening to the alphabet.  :)

Christmas Elves

Christmas is only a few days away and a couple of items for Isaac had to be assembled.  It was such a wonderful moment to experience our first right of passage being parents at Christmas.  Santa needed help and Frazer was so pleased to provide assistance. :)

Isaac's workbench came with many pieces that required assembly.

Before we knew it the work bench and kitchen set were fully assembled.  The work of santa's elves was finished.  :)

Isaac Holiday Photos

I'm sure I've said this before but I really love the mom's group.  An event was organized with a local photographer to take holiday photos.  We went to the most beautiful park in late November with a covered bridge.  The fall leaves made the perfect backdrop and it was a beautiful day.  It was supposed to be an opportunity for us to have family pictures taken but unfortunately Frazer had a last minute trip and he couldn't make it.

There were so many great photos of Isaac it was so difficult to choose!

Isaac instantly laid back in this little sofa.  He's such a handsome little man.

Playing peek-a-boo.

Playing in the crunchy leaves.

Throwing a pinecone.

Being silly.

Cuddles with mama.

Being silly......and these were all the photos we didn't get.

The five we actually chose:

He's such a cutie!!