Toadfrogs and Elephants

Wade had today off work so we both got lots of time with Alex. Alex rediscovered his monkey pillow and gave it lots of hugs:

Madison and Alex played a game of “keep away” and Madison won.

The rest of the day we played away. Here are the faces of the day:

We decided on dinner out and went to Cranky Al’s. We loved it just as much the second time around. Alex even tried a few bites of pizza. Then it was home and bed for Alex.

Wade and I rang in the new year with chocolate chip cookies, a fire, and the new Super Mario for Wii (one of my Christmas presents).

New toys are fun for a few minutes:

Then it’s back to the coffee table:

Happy Birthday Emily!

Today’s project was turning part of my office (Wade’s old one) into a playroom. I filled the cubbies on the side of the desk with baskets of toys:

Alex seemed to adjust pretty well to more toys:

Alex had a blast with all of his new toys:

I’m not sure he has figured out the frog in his overalls yet:

Alex is a great eater – when he feels like it. Today he ate all his meat sicks.

Alex has recently discovered blankets and stuffed animals. He loves anything soft:

I tried to teach him peek-a-boo. I’m not sure he understood, but he laughed constantly.

Alex finished up the day with some kisses from Madison:

We arrived home last night and I was determined to get unpacked today. Wade and Alex ran errands so I could focus:

And once all of our new loot was put away I felt the need to accomplish more. Wade and Alex had bought new paint for the bathroom so I went ahead and got that done too:

In all the craziness of Christmas we hadn’t found time for stockings. We had them first thing this morning:

Then Alex played with Gram while Wade and I packed the car.

The ride home went pretty smoothly. I was amused to look back and see Madison with her head in Alex’s lap:

Alex headed straight for his balloons as soon as we got home. I should have known.

Santa came and brought Alex some goodies. We weren’t sure how he’d react, but he headed straight for the toys.

Then we drove out to spend the day with Wade’s family at Granny and Papa’s.

After breakfast we gathered to open presents:

And of course we have a group photo:

We made it back to Mom’s house in time for Alex’s nap. He woke up to his big present from Gram and some play time with Aunt Lissy:

Our last Christmas celebration is with the Upshaws (namesake of my blog). We had most everyone present – except for Ben, Stephanie, and their girls.

Mom changed things up this year and served us buffet style (note Grandma’s macaroni and cheese on the left):

Alex is the youngest of the second cousins. I was surprised he ended up the center of attention. Cole and Addi both wanted to play with him:

We started the group pictures right after dinner. I wanted Alex in them and that 7:30 bedtime comes quickly.

First we have all the grandkids and their spouses (except Jeremy, Christina’s husband, who had to work). Then we have the great-grandkids with Grandma.

Mom, Aunt Beverly, Uncle Tommy, and Grandma smiled one more time. Then we have the entire group.