Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas Day

Christmas started extremely early, and Ian was so excited about everything that morning!  We enjoyed opening presents before the sun came up, some more after Grammie and Granddad arrived, and then a few more after Uncle joined us.  We had a wonderful day despite Ian not feeling 100% and only taking a 30 minute nap (combination of steroids and excitement).  Every year Christmas is more fun with Ian!  We were blessed to spend the day together making special memories.






 Ian loves eating Santa's leftover cookies. :)


Pure joy!

Trying to get away before T-Rex gets him.
Fun moments with Uncle.
First time to play a video game with Uncle (thank goodness Uncle is good and can give him tips, unlike his Mommy!).
Such focus.
Christmas is magical and fun at this age!


Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve adventures began with a visit to the pediatrician; Ian started wheezing the day before and woke up wheezing that morning.  The doctor prescribed oral steroids for 5 days and an inhaler as needed; I was so thankful that we were able to see Ian's doctor and not have to go to the ER.  We discovered that steroids and Ian don't mix well for sleeping, so Ian was tired (and so was Mommy) and didn't feel like himself; not an ideal way to spend Christmas Eve and Day, but we definitely made the most of it.  Ian was in the children's choir at church on Christmas Eve, and was extremely excited to sing in front of everyone.  Surprisingly, he wasn't intimidated to be in front of a packed church, and I hope this is something he wants to do every year.  After church we had dinner and then looked at Christmas lights before putting cookies and milk out for Santa.

This sweet boy was not excited to take pictures.
What a personality he has!!
 
The preschool class dressed up as presents since they "are gifts just like baby Jesus was a gift."  He absolutely loved putting that box on!
For every serious shot, there are several silly ones.


Checking out the band on the "big stage."
"Hi Mommy!"

After they had sung their songs, Ian didn't want to leave the stage!

 


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Zilker Tree

We enjoyed a fun evening with Uncle and Allie at the Zilker Tree.  The weather was perfect for spinning under the lights and getting dizzy!






Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Santa Visit

We went to see Santa today, and it turned into a magical morning for one little boy.  The Santa we saw was so kind and wonderful with Ian, telling him how much he had grown since last year, asking what he wanted for Christmas, reminding him to always wear his helmet on his bike (he told him he wanted a Lightning McQueen bicycle), and then said that he would probably leave Ian some surprise gifts as well.  Ian was so excited, and the pictures show his joy. 

Getting ready to go inside.
Santa looking at how big Ian was.


Santa gave him a tiny bendable reindeer, and Ian requested a picture with it while standing on this turtle. 
While we were walking around, we noticed a train ride for kids, but it was closed due to the cold weather that morning.  On our way back to the car, the conductor, Mr.Pete, was putting up an "Open" sign.  He invited Ian to come inside and see how he checked his train out before using it for the day.  Ian was in awe to get a behind the scenes look at everything.  After the train was ready to go, we enjoyed being the only 2 riders and waving to all of the onlookers.  This man's kindness made my little boy's day!


Santa even came out of his workshop to wave at us. Such a fun experience!
 

Christmas Cookies

We enjoy making cookies at Christmas time (lots for ourselves, some to share with others, and some for Santa), and Ian has become a big helper when it comes time to bake anything.  We baked cookies last night, and I'm not sure that they'll last until Christmas Eve...Santa might be stuck with milk only! :)


Getting just the right angle to roll out the dough.
My baking assistant in comfortable attire.
You have to sample everything, right??

Getting ready to decorate an angel.
A little attitude and silliness all in one.
He can always make me laugh. :)
He takes his decorating seriously.