Wow. I can't believe I don't have anything up from Christmas or Hannah's wedding/the Puerto Rico trip. Time has gotten away from me I guess.
I suppose we will start with Christmas and go from there. This will probably take me the rest of the week, so keep checking back.
Christmas was both a low key and big day at our house this year. Lily "got it" a little more this year so she had a really good time with looking at Christmas lights around town and in yards, listening to music, and messing with the Christmas tree. We did discover that she has a low tolerance for frustration when it comes to decorating the tree. The little hooks and ribbons just about sent her off the deep end. She did get some ornaments to stay on finally but it took quite a few tears and hissy fits.
The weekend before Christmas we joined up with Jennifer and her family and the Evans' and went to Stone Mountain Christmas. It was so so so cold - but warmer than the previous weekend. Lily enjoyed the lights and such but the biggest thing for her was the train ride around the base of the mountain. When the train was pulling up to the loading station I caught her expression of joy at hearing the train coming. She had a fabulous time riding it.
On Christmas Eve we had Hannah, Jimmy, and my mom over for a chicken parmagsian (sp) dinner. A little unusual I know, but since we were all heading out of the state in a few short days we could not go off an leave lots of leftovers to ruin in the fridge. Plus, its cheaper. Anyway, Lily got a "digger" that moves on its' own which kinda freaked her out for a few minutes. She LOVES construction equipment. They are all "diggers" though. So other than her digger she also received a turtleneck with "Lily loves Diggers" embroidered on it from Gwema and an art easel. Hannah and Jimmy gave her a Doctor's Kit which she has really enjoyed using to poke plastic rod like objects into everyone's ears, regardless of whether it is the ear checker or not. The stethoscope is the other big deal from that gift. It makes a "thump thump" noise when you hold it against something so she looves that.
This year her presents from Santa actually caused a tearful moment, which was pitiful Christmas morning. Santa left her a train table and she was immediately sucked in to playing with that...to the point she did not want to open anything else. So, we tried to cover it up with its' art table top thing and she boohoo'd. Way to go mom. Eventually we moved on to open her other larger items: baby doll bed, highchair, stroller, and other dolls items. She had a good day and pretty much played herself out.
Later in the morning we went over to the Evans' house for brunch and presents. Lily really enjoyed opening things this year so it once she got in the zone, she was set. Again, she did not want to move on after a gift, which actually is not a bad thing. I'd rather she show genuine enjoyment from a gift than open it, throw it aside, and rip another one open.
