Christmas was fun this year since AJ grasped the concept a little more. He at least partially understands the concept of Santa Claus. AJ got to meet St. Nick at a party earlier in December. He was a little nervous at first, but he warmed up as he saw how the other kids were happy to see him. Santa officially won him over when he delivered a gift that turned out to be a monster truck! At the ward Christmas party, AJ saw Santa again and received a candy cane. After that, AJ often told anyone who asked, "Santa Claus brings candy canes!"
We also tried to focus on the message of Jesus this year, in a toddler-esque way: Christmas is Jesus's birthday! Since AJ love singing Happy Birthday and birthday parties, he seemed to get it. At least, if asked, "Who's birthday is it on Christmas?" He could give the right answer.
Here is AJ on Christmas morning. This may have been the last year we will ever get to sleep in on Christmas morning. We didn't get downstairs until 8am.
We didn't put any presents under the tree at all until Christmas morning, but AJ didn't seem impressed by the stack of them. He did go straight for a new stuffed dinosaur from Aunt Betsy.
See?
We could have stopped right there and he would have been perfectly content. Next, AJ got to unwrap (or watch mom unwrap) his new sleeping bag! He wasn't that impressed with just the box.
But once we had it open so he could try it out, he became a happy little camper.
Next, snow boots!
An alligator dentist game from Santa. You push down the teeth and eventually the mouth snaps shut.
The alligator and the dinosaur were promptly introduced.
Looks like the alligator won, and it was funny! It is one mean alligator. For most of the rest of the day it chewed on Lightning McQueen. Sorry, no photo of that.
Next up: a big box of presents from Aunt Jessica.
Lots of great stuff! AJ was excited about the Potty Time with Elmo DVD. I know he paid attention the one time he watched it because he quotes it: "Pee pee! Poo poo! Doodee!" and "Hey Bear, whatcha doing? I'm using the potty!"
AJ also thought the packing peanuts were a part of the present. It was really funny to pretend to eat them and watch Mom freak out.
Batman!
We had to stop there for a while, because we had a busy day, but AJ got to eat a popcorn ball. Yummy. Also in this photo is his favorite present from Aunt J: Jingle the puppy who interacts when you read a story about him. AJ thinks it is delightful and we read it a lot.
We spend the rest of Christmas day with friends coming to our house for cinnamon rolls, church, and then a brunch with our neighbors, Bob and Mary. They give AJ a big bag full of great presents (monster truck! garbage truck!) Then after a nap we went to another family's house for dessert. By bedtime, AJ still had half his presents under the tree, and hadn't even touched his stocking yet!
So the next morning, we had Christmas, Part 2. Here are some highlights.
A motorcycle from Santa. The other night I was eavesdropping on AJ while he chatted to himself before going to sleep. Amongst other funny things I heard was, "Santa Claus brought you motorcycle. That so nice!
Ho ho ho!"
A big box from the Brown grandparents. AJ was more into the unwrapping on the second morning.
An electric drill that really works! So cool! Everything in my house is getting fixed these days. The toolbox has fun things to work on too. This has been a very popular toy with all the kids who have been to the house since Christmas, including girls.
And, finally, the stocking.
Thanks for all the great gifts AJ got from family all over. There were too many to show off in this post, but he loves them all! BTW, Jordan and I got some stuff too, but we all know who the true star of the show is, don't we? We hope you all had a very merry Christmas like we did!