Christmas 2010

December was sort of trying for our little family.  Between battling the flu and the throw up bug, we somehow were able to pull ourselves together and enjoy this sweet time of year with our little guy and gal.  I loved watching David arrange and rearrange the nativity scene.  He somehow was able to separate the whole Santa thing from the fact that Jesus was born on Christmas Day.  I loved fielding all his precious questions.  He wondered how we would celebrate Jesus' birthday if he wasn't going to actually be there.  I attempted to explain the whole Jesus is everywhere concept---not sure how that went over exactly.  He fell in love with Rudolph and overcame his fear of Santa.  The following picture was possibly one of our proudest moments as parents thus far :).  (Those of you who have fearful or cautious children will understand, but you spend everyday trying to equip your little one to participate in life, rather than shirk away from new things.  After three years, this boy walked right up to Santa and sat in his lap.  I was ECSTATIC!)

Now Evie Marelle is not afraid of anything, but she is one and right on track to be terrified of strange men in red suits.

We filled the few days we were healthy with all kinds of fun festivities.  There was no shortage of family gatherings, photo sessions, tree gazing, or Christmas light hunting.  This boy loves some Santamation (a word I invented to describe holiday yard decor.)  My favorite new tradition was the live nativity scene at a nearby church in our community.  David was totally in his element, running from animal to animal.  It was hilarious to sit with him during the play--he was very concerned about not being able to see the myrrh.  And somehow the third wiseman missed his cue to enter stage left, which was followed by a 3 year old boy hollering, "I only see one, two wisemen.  Where is the third one!?  Where is the myrrh!!?"

Christmas Day was so sweet.  David was in awe of the fact he actually received what he had asked for--a balance bike--"even though he was a little bit mean."  Evie Marelle jumped right in and seemed way more interested in her actual gifts than I had anticipated.  I wish they could understand the real gift they have received from God Himself.  In due time...

I would have to say that the hilite of David's Christmas revolved around the Auburn marching band.  He is now the proud owner of an Auburn drum major cape (homemade by yours truly), a trumpet, and a homemade snare drum set (made from Domino's sugar cannisters, kudos to Nanny!).