Picture with Santa - 2010
Callie says:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Now that we're 48 hours into 2011, it's time to share how Cohen and I celebrated the season with the blogosphere. This was only my 2nd Christmas, but it's not hard to figure out what the season is all about; family, friends, and lots of fun!
Cohen tried to look like a tough guy this Christmas
Just the first of many Christmas gatherings
I tried telling Mommy that I didn't need help
A cool new picnic table from Grandpa and Grandma
Wrestling with Molly Molly
Playing with Cohen's computer while he wasn't looking
As is our family's tradition, we actually celebrated our first Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma a few days before Christmas due to travel reasons, etc. "Christmas on Kenwanda" always plays out fun because I have lots of aunties that spoil me (talk boys, do my hair), because it's funny to watch Cohen play with Molly, and because I love Grandpa and Grandma (duh).
After spending the night at Grandpa and Grandma's that night, we finally had a chance to make our 2nd annual trip to see Santa in Seattle. The routine involves visiting the Seattle Center, taking the monorail to Westlake, and seeing THE Santa at Nordstrom, although mommy and daddy had Cohen convinced this year that the monorail was actually the Polar Express. I beleived them at first, but when they didn't serve hot chocolate, I knew it was a sham.
Cohen in front of "the rocket"
We almost missed the train because the kid is so photo happy
He yelled "All Aboard!" at least 12 times
Seriously, at least 12 times!
The wait got a little long - does it show on my face?
He was super excited until it was our turn..
Santa is great! Did you know he gives out candy canes?
Well that was fun! Time to shop?
Cohen was pretty excited to ride the train again
Ok, so maybe the morning was a little tiring?
Once Santa knew that Cohen wanted a Toy Story 3 train, a garbage truck, and a 2 rockets for Buzz Lightyear, and that I wanted a Princess Castle, it was finally time to relax and enjoy the season. Of course, that means different things to different people. To daddy, it means making the outside of our house glow in different colors. Weird, right? To mommy, that means bringing a live tree into the house, lighting it up and hanging candy and knick knacks on it. Also weird, right? I guess they are quite the pair. In all honesty, I grew quite fond of the christmas decor and never ending Christmas movies and cartoons.
Dad's first year of Griswolding meant only 3288 lights
He claims there will be at least double that next year
The tree (with almost as many presents as lights)
I got a car for Christmas!!! Just kidding
"Hey Cohen - I'm gonna stand on your present!"
"Told ya"
I don't remember the toy, but the kayak-box is cool
Auntie She-She, I really expected a faster ride..
I got a scooter! Don't tell Cohen, he thinks it's his
The 3 days of Christmas between the 23rd and the 25th proved to be just as much fun as our first christmas a few days earlier. The first night, we had Mimi and Papa, Emma and Eden, and Brooklynn all come over with their parents for Great Grandma Nancy's traditional Lasagna and Shrimp (items prepared separately) dinner, plus we got to decorate cookies and play ping pong on the table that Auntie She-She got for mommy.
On the 24th, we tried something new and stayed home, which is a stark contrast from previous years travel. Grammy and Auntie She-She came over and we played, opened some presents, and made sure the house was in tip-top shape for Santa Claus. Cohen even added sprinkles to the cookies AND the carrots for Santa's reindeer. Yummy!
Christmas morning was the best! After a quick stop on the stairs for a picture (mommy's new tradition idea), it was on like Donkey Kong. A quick peak around the living room showed a Toy Story 3 Train w/ Exploding Bridge for Cohen and a princess castle w/slide for me! We alternately opened presents and played with new toys while daddy blinded us with the camera flash. That's normal, right? After playing with Cohen's Buzz Lightyear spaceship and my toy kitchen, we went to Mimi and Papa's for even more Christmasing! It's hard to compete with christmas time with my cousins cause we get to play, then play some more, and then play a bit til bed! A special shout to Mimi and Papa for their Prime Rib, and especially the potatoes. There was 2 varieties of potatoes, and if you know me, you know that's kind of my thing!
Coming down the stairs on Christmas Morning
Cohen and his Toy Story 3 Train w/ Exploding Bridge!
My Princess Castle and slide!
It's so high!
A quick hug with Buddy the Elf before he went back to the N. Pole
Inspired by the festive ice skating at Rockefeller Center in New York, we decided to go Ice Skating prior to visiting Mimi and Papa for playing while the adults played cards. Unfortunately, the Bellingham IcePlex isn't quite as scenic or festive as Rockefeller Center, but it was still super fun. We met our friend Brady there, and Cohen and Brady decided to sport their Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin sweaters in honor of the next day's "NHL Winter Classic".
To our family out there, Cohen and I just have to say "we love you". You make us feel like the most special kids in the world all year round, and it just multiplies during the holidays. Thank you all for the gifts, the meals, the stories, and the love! Too sappy? Cohen made me write it - I swear!
Cohen and Brady or Sid and Alex?
Look-out NHL Scouts!
Happy New Year everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment