Merry Christmas!

 On Christmas Eve, we headed to church.  Last year, Bryant didn't get dressed up, but went and sat up with all the kids when the parents took pictures.  This year, Bryant got dressed up (as a camel), but never wanted to go with the rest of the kids.

 When we got home, we had pizza and Christmas movies, then it was time to prepare for Santa to come.  Bryant put out milk and cookies for Santa and carrots and water for his reindeer.

 

If you remember the video from the last post, Bryant wanted candy canes from Santa.  Santa listened and left a trail of candy canes from Bryant's room to the tree where he left him some Thomas the Train toys.  I think Bryant was more excited with the candy canes than the toys!  He also thought it was pretty silly that the reindeers made a mess of the carrots:)

 

 

After he finally put down the candy canes, he was able to enjoy the Thomas presents from Santa

 

Santa also put slippers in his stocking.  He loves to wear them around the house and says that they give him big steps.

 

 After some breakfast, Bryant got himself dressed.  He has shown interest before in dressing himself, but on Christmas he was insistent that he did it all by himself and that continued through today.  Not sure why the independence all of a sudden, but it definitely tests my patience when I'm in a hurry!

 

He is so funny when he opens his presents.  He has to get all the paper off the present, one tiny piece at a time.

 

He was so excited with all his presents and wanted to "open it please" after he opened each present.  The skis, however, caused the biggest meltdowns when we a) couldn't go outside and ski right away and b) couldn't wear them when we opened all other presents.

 

Finally time to try out the skis!

the first fall...

much easier when dad pushes you!

 

I was expecting Christmas to be fun, but it far exceeded my expectations.  Bryant was too excited to take a nap, so he was in bed by 6:30 pm and slept a good 13 hours.  I think we definitely tuckered him out!

 

Today I started cleaning the house when Bryant was napping and when he woke up, the tree was out of the house.  He was so concerned and asked where the Christmas tree was.  Apparently my explanation wasn't good enough because he went and got his slippers and hat on and told me he was going to go shopping to pick out a Christmas tree.  Such a funny kid!