Christmas with a toddler is just about the best thing I've ever experienced. There are so many things to see and do ... and experiencing it through Barrett's eyes brought me back to my own childhood. We spent most of December taking him to different Christmas spots around town, but we saved some for the actual week of Christmas.
First we his the movie theater in downtown Grapevine to watch Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This is one of our favorite family traditions.
Daddy and Barrett at the Movies
(little blurry ... but still cute)
The next day we bundled up and drove around looking at Christmas lights. There was so much to look at we couldn't keep up! Barrett kept pointing out the windows exclaiming phrases like:
"Look Mommy, it's a snowman!"
"It's Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer! Run Run Rudolph!"
"It's Santa Claus Is Coming to Town!" (every time we saw a Santa)
"Baby Jesus! Look it's Baby Jesus! Jesus Birthday!"
Waiting in Line to Go Down the First Street
Just an Example of Some of the Lights
On Christmas Eve we started the day with our annual Chic-Fil-A breakfast with friends.
Sweet Friends
Playing with the Big Kids
Then we headed home and spent the afternoon making cookies for Santa
After Adding Frosting and "Ornaments" to the Tree
(yes ... it's supposed to be a Christmas Tree)
Working Hard for Santa
So Cute!
He was having so much fun!
After Christmas Eve service, we headed to Nana and Papa's house for dinner and a few early presents. (We didn't get a cute family picture of us all dressed up for church because Barrett and I overslept during nap time ~ which meant we were basically running out the door!)
Eating Dinner with Cousins
Playtime with Hannah
Opening First Christmas Presents
Is This One Mine Too?
I Get MORE Presents?!?!
Opening Presents with Daddy
At home we changed into new Christmas pajamas and set out our cookies for Santa!
Explaining to Mommy "These are for Santa"
The Tree Waiting for Christmas Morning
We decided to spend Christmas Day at home as a family of 3. It was nice to spend the whole day with our little munchkin and focus all of our attention on him before his sisters come next month. I loved having a slow paced, stay in our pajamas, drink hot chocolate, and watch movies kind of day. It was a nice little break from "real life"
Santa Came ...
And Filled our Stockings...
And Ate the Cookies We Left out for Him!
Barrett had so much fun playing with all his new toys. I think he was a little overwhelmed because nothing held his attention for very long.
Examining Everything
"I Put a Ball In a Basket!"
Basketball and a Puzzle
And Back to the Basketball Goal
Playing Toys with Mommy
(Yep ... That's Me Back there!)
Presents Waiting to Be Opened
Opening Presents with Mommy
Cute Little Christmas Elf
Getting Excited ... Getting the Hang of This!
Before we headed back to Nana and Papa's house for dinner, I was determined to get a picture with Barrett by the Christmas Tree. As you can see, it went really well ...
After a quick meal, we had some MORE presents to open from Barrett's aunts and uncles!
"Aunt Rachel Help Barrett"
Smiling with Daddy
(went better than smiling with Mommy by the tree earlier!)
And then on Friday Gamma, Poppy, Aunt Lindsey, Baby Jordan, and Uncle Kyle came for one last Christmas celebration. We couldn't go to Gamma and Poppy's house this year because I'm not allowed to travel until after the twins are born. So they came to us!
Watching Jordan Open Presents
Apparently He Decided She Needed Some Help
Lots of Help
The Barrett Side of the Family
(Gamma must have walked off for a second)
The next morning we played with Baby Jordan and then went to lunch with Gamma's family.
Big Brother In Training ... Teaching Baby Girl How to Crawl
Almost all of the Arnold Grandkids and Great Grandkids
(Four More on the Way!)
As soon as we wrapped up all of our Christmas celebrations, we immediately started taking down the Christmas decorations. Which is weird for me. I usually take them down, kicking and screaming, after it's really no longer socially acceptable to have them up. But this year, I'm anxious to finish getting the house ready (and cleaned!) for Parker and Payton to get here. We can count down the days until their arrival now!
"Helping" Mommy and Daddy Put Away Christmas Decorations
We had a great Christmas Week celebrating and hanging out with our little guy. I can't wait until next year to celebrate with ALL of my babies! "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"
