We had plans to fly to North Carolina for Christmas, so the night before we left town, we celebrated Christmas at home with Uncle Ben, and Grandpa and Grandma Dendel (via Skype).
You really go into opening your presents, but we found that you were overwhelmed after just a few. You wanted to play with the things you received, and didn’t understand why we wanted you to just open each one and pass it along. I totally get this. I mean, why would you want to throw aside a new toy that looks like fun? We ended up only opening the presents from the Dendel side that night so you could play with the toys you received. You didn’t get around to opening all your presents from us until after our trip!
Christmas Eve morning we headed off to North Carolina.
Due to a flight delay and plane change, you didn’t take your afternoon nap. You were a bit fussy on the plane, but really patient while we had an extremely long wait for our luggage. After picking up our rental and getting on the road, I commented to Daddy that you must be planning to stay awake since you were in your car seat just talking away. Not five minutes later you were out. Totally out. You didn’t even wake when we stopped for dinner and pulled you out of the car. As we were finishing our meal, you finally woke enough to eat some food.
Finally, we arrived at Uncle Aaron and Aunt Emily’s house. They had been waiting for us (you, really) for a couple hours and were so happy to see us (well, you)! You warmed up to them immediately, so while we unpacked, they introduced you to their dog Oliver, showed you your room and changed you into your Christmas pajamas. Then it was nighttime routine and bed.
We thought you might wake early Christmas morning, so everyone got up early. Papa even arrived wearing a robe over his clothes, just to show how early it was! You surprised us and slept late. So we adults had a nice time relaxing, drinking coffee and opening our presents. You finally woke around 8am. After a diaper change and quick snack of applesauce, we opened your presents. This time you kind of knew what to do with the gift wrap, but still wanted to stop and play with each toy. We ended up spreading the present opening out over the whole morning so that you could enjoy your gifts. And really, isn’t that a wonderful way to spend a day? Opening, playing with and enjoying each item.
You absolutely loved our visit. There are so many people to love on you and so many new things to see. We went for walks, saw Christmas lights, played with new toys and spent lots of time with family.
At kids’ church on Sunday, they had two people dressed up in Snoopy and Charlie Brown costumes. Oh my goodness! You saw the “dog” and it was love at first sight. Dog, dog, dog! You kept running back to them anytime we’d put you down. Strangers were taking pictures of “that cute little kid with Snoopy.” You gave them both hugs – back and forth you went, over and over. We probably spent 15 minutes with them. It was adorable.
Unfortunately, our return flight home was just as eventful as the trip there, but you still pretty did well and even took a short nap. Once you work, you wanted to get down and had a hard time with being “stuck” in one spot. Thankfully, were seated in a row with a sweet grandma who was extremely friendly and patient. You even sat on her lap and visited for a while.
After all the activity of Christmas, the New Year came and went quietly. You had no idea it was a special day, other than I gave you some fun noisemakers to play with and a funny hat to wear. smile
