Christmas!

This year Christmas was really fun because Benny was so excited.  Its true...Christmas is just more magical through a child's eyes.  He delighted in the snow, was dazzled by the decorations, squealed with delight to see the Christmas lights, and was captivated by the idea of Santa, elves, and jingle bells on the roof.

To kick off the season, I took Benny to visit Santa.  Kevin's work has an annual 'breakfast with Santa.'  Sadly, Kevin had class that weekend, so it was just Benny and I.  It was also the weekend of Clay's visit.  We were busy!

Waiting to see Santa.  (Benny didn't feel too great that weekend.  Took him to the doctor on Monday and the poor little guy had an ear infection.  If Benny wants a binky and to play with Mommy's hair, he is either tired or sick.)

 

He was a tad apprehensive about sitting on Santa's lap at first.  The fear instantly left when Santa gave him a  candy cane and wanted to see his 'backhoe.' 

Christmas Eve/Christmas Morning

The downfall of being a church organist is that X-mas eve is an all-day event.  I had services at 3, 5, and 9.  Kevin, Benny, Grammie, and Grampie came to the 5:00 service, and we got some dinner before I had to be back to prep for the 9:00 service.  I was sad I didn't get to put Benny to bed on X-mas eve but made sure Kevin took pictures to document the evening for me.

At the 5:00 Christmas Eve service, Kevin and I played the role of the 'expectant family.'

 

Silly X-mas eve play with Grammie.

 

Benny didn't totally understand that the cookies were for Santa.  Not for him.

Stealing Santa's cookies.

On Christmas morning, he was quite excited about the presents under the tree.  He quickly grabbed this one and exclaimed, "Its huge!"

Santa got him a snow shovel.  He has tried it out several times.  A great gift idea Santa.

Benny with his new backhoe and trailer.  (This is the face you get when you ask Benny to smile and say 'cheese.')

Examining the Santa loot.

Just cause he is cute.

Christmas Day

After we opened presents and ate breakfast with Grammie and Grampie, we drove to my brother and sister-in-law's house.  My parents and my grandma came over.  My grandma's birthday is on Dec. 25.  She turned 90 this year.  She lives in a 2 story farm house by herself.  She climbs up and down the basement stairs several times a day to fire up with wood and coal to heat the house.  Pretty good for 90.  Happy Birthday Granny!

 Benny got this cool tent from Aunt Annie and Uncle Ron.  Ella assembled it for him in their living room.

Peeking out the tent with cousin Luke

Christmas is extra fun when you are almost 2!