Christmas 2009 Highlights

We couldn't believe that we had to wake Lee up on Christmas morning to see if Santa had come, but we did. He must have gotten hot in the night, since he had pulled up his "pant sleeves" and unbuttoned a few buttons on his shirt.

Although he was drowsy, he jumped right up and ran into the living room. He was all smiles!

Santa left a Geo Trax Cars race track. It was hard to tear him away from this to see what else was there.

A giant art easel! He was in awe of this and couldn't believe it was his. The art table and easel are his favorite things to use during free play at school. I think he forgot that he asked Santa for this months ago.

Then it was time to check the stocking. First was a new steam roller!

He thought it was HILARIOUS that Santa left underwear in his stocking. He kept saying over and over, "There was underwear in my stocking. Did you see that?" It was funny every time.

Batman tattoos!

We got him pixos, based on a recommendation from Lee's teacher. She had seen these and thought that he could manipulate the small beads and would enjoy the artistic part too. As luck would have it, Pixos come in a Cars version!

He was pretty excited about this new Cars game too.

What little boy doesn't need more Legos?

Lee got his Daddy this cool new knife that has a Masonic emblem on it. We got it at the Co-op, which was Lee's first trip there. It was one of the highlights of the holiday season for me. I have told this story many times, so many of you have probably heard it already. As I was checking out, Lee spotted the side room and asked if he could go look in there. I told him that we would walk around as soon as I was done. I had no idea I would be spending the better part of the next 30 minutes in this one room. He immediately spotted the wall of tools and was fascinated. He wanted his own shovel, rake, hoe and "dirt grabber," which most people call a post hole digger. He also picked out a rocking chair for our front porch, a swing, and a lawn mower that we just had to have. He was being so animated and hilarious that the men who were working there came over to visit with him. My normally shy child was full of himself running around telling the men what he was going to tell his Daddy he wanted and needed. On the way home, I had to convince him not to tell Daddy about our trip or else Daddy would wonder what we were doing at the Co-op. Surprisingly, he kept the secret. When Matt opened the knife, he told him all about it though.

Then it was on to Nam and Pa's for a wonderful breakfast feast and presents. Hope was a pro at opening presents this year.

I love a good reaction, and Hayes was full of them!

Shelby was a little more reserved than her brother.

Hope got a new raincoat and boots and loved them!

These 2 boys kept the Imaginext people in business this year. They love all of those sets. Lee got the firehouse, and Paul got the space shuttle.

Lee needed a break!

Paul got a new robe--so cute!

Here is another good reaction from Hayes. Sadly, it was over Goosebumps books, which I just don't get yet. I know my time is coming that Lee will choose this type of book over Curious George, but I'll fight it as hard as I can until then!

Hope is so lucky to have all of her cousins dote on her all the time.

After lunch with my great aunt, Mozelle, we made a quick stop at Aunt Clara's and my grandmother's to exchange gifts with them and cousins, Nicholas and Ashlynn.

We had to drag the 3 of them out kicking and screaming so we could all make our final stop of the day.

Our final stop was at my dad's for Christmas with my brother, sister-in-love, and nieces.

Brylie loves anything with Tinkerbell!

Lee got a sled and took the girls on a "ride." Now, we're waiting on some snow, so we can break it in the right way! Lee has been praying for snow for 2 weeks. Before we left for Disney, there was a prediction for snow on Christmas Eve. So we told him we might have some when we got home. We've currently been home for a week and have only seen flurries!

We had the most wonderful Christmas season. I feel like we have made a month out of it with the parties, concerts, programs and family gatherings. I'm never ready for it to end and get sad when the decorations are put away. One thing that has kept me from being too sad is knowing we will be doubly blessed this time next year. I can hardly wait to celebrate Christmas with our 5 year old and 8 month old next year!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve started with a visit from the Petrowski Grandparents, who came with a truck full of presents! Naturally, Lee started with the biggest package first.

It was the Batman Cave that he has been wanting for months! He has had a great time with it already.

Next was a Cars racetrack that I wasn't familiar with before Christmas. However, my little Cars fanatic had told his Mawmaw all about it after seeing it on a commercial. Apparently he gave good enough details to her that she was able to find just what he wanted.

After a busy day of visiting family and finishing unpacking from our trip, it was time to settle in for the night at home. We started by making cookies for Santa. For those who know me well, it will come as no surprise that Santa got break and bake cookies! I love to bake and try new recipes, but cookies and cupcakes are not high on my list of favorite things to bake. Fortunately, Lee loves break and bake cookies and doesn't know what he's missing by not having homemade cookies. Judging from the empty plate, I don't think Santa minded either.

Next, it was time for Lee to make his Gingerbread House. He loves making these and being creative. Last year after Christmas, I found them at Walmart for $1, so I bought a couple for him to decorate. He had the best time. Matt and I helped him get the "frame" together and then turned him loose to decorate on his own.

Here he is with his masterpiece!

Before bed, he had to check and make sure the cookies were suitable for Santa. After 3, he decided they were fine.

After one more check of Norad to see where Santa was, he excitedly headed to bed. I love Christmas Eve almost as much as Christmas Day. The anticipation and excitement are so much fun.

Holy Cross Christmas Program

We were so lucky to get to be a part of the Holy Cross Christmas Program. I have heard from friends over the years how precious this program is, and I have to say that it did not disappoint. The children were absolutely adorable, and watching them sing about and act out the story of Jesus' birth made my heart nearly burst! The picture above is out of order, but it is of Lee with one of his best friends, Marly Kate. We love, love, love our Marly Kate!

Lee is on the top at the right. He was so excited when he saw everyone there to watch him.

He kept sneaking glances at us throughout the program. It was precious.

Here is the whole group!

More singing...

I could eat him right up when he is singing.

This is "Up on the Housetop."

Paul was Santa and popped out of the chimney on cue. I wish you could see the kids' faces as they reacted to him popping out. They were smiling so big.

Lee was a bell ringer. Bryleigh and Julian are beside him.

During the stable/manger scene, Lee was a donkey.

He's giving his "gifts" to baby Jesus here. It was so sweet.

Who knew a donkey saying a prayer could be so precious?

The whole crew at the manger scene. It was such a sweet way to end the program.

First Baptist Choir Program

Last Wednesday night, we were so excited to get to watch the preschool choirs perform their Christmas program. Lee's choir performed 2 songs with the 5 year old choir, and he loved it!

Notice that he's by his pal, Ava Kate. I wondered if he asked to stand by her or it was just luck!

Lee's biggest fans came to watch him, and he could not have been more thrilled to see them! Thanks Nam, Aunt Bo, Uncle B, Paul and Hope for coming to watch Lee.

This was taken after the program. I bought this outfit after Christmas last year on clearance and have been anxiously waiting for him to get to wear it. It is a 5T, and the pants were a little too short. I don't know what I'm going to do if he keeps growing UP at warp speed!

Lee has been asking for pajamas with feet in them for the past month. I had no idea that finding these kind of pajamas in a size 6 (or larger) would be so hard! I found these a couple of weeks ago on clearance at Target and hoped they would work. I washed them in cold and hung them to dry, because I knew if they drew up any, they would be too short. Lee loved them immediately, and once he had them on, so did I! I think he looks especially cute in stripes. I have continued to wash them in cold water and hang them to dry, since he loves them so much. So far, they are still long enough for him, but I don't think they will make it all winter.