Toadfrogs and Elephants

We arrived at Mom’s house just in time for Alex’s nap. He hasn’t been interested in the presents so we decided to start opening without him. We decided Melissa got the most gifts this year. She opened two every turn.

Alex joined us before long and found quite a few things to chew on. Being a typical little one, Alex loved the paper and boxes.

Madison also got a treat (Thanks for the idea Edie). She loves the Kong Snugga Wubba.

Mom is hosting Christmas Eve dinner tonight for her family. I had promised long ago that she could give Alex his first bite of chocolate. She saved some of the cake just for him:

Alex woke up early and ready to celebrate. Thank goodness his Aunt Lissy was ready to play:

Dad and Laura couldn’t wait to give Alex his gift:

While the big people were getting ready to open gifts, Alex discovered there were dogs outside too:

Then we started the gifts for everyone else. Dad had requested a large sum of money – and Melissa did what she could to provide:

Alex had no problem entertaining himself during this time. He visited with Ken (Laura’s Dad):

Then he found another set of windows:

We attempted a group shot, but I didn’t get one with everyone looking at the camera.

We started the day with a trip to see Grandma

Grandma always brightens up when she sees Alex. I was pleasantly surprised (and shocked) when she called him by name – especially after just asking us three times in a row what day it was.

A new Grandma Story:

My Mom and Aunt Beverly make sure that someone goes daily to visit my Grandma. This particular week my mom had noticed Grandma was sleeping quite a bit during her visits. She leans over and loudly (Grandma is a little hard of hearing) says, “Wake up. You have company.”
Grandma looks around and says, “Who?”
My Mom replies, “Me.”
Grandma looks at her and says, “You aren’t company.” and goes right back to sleep.

We had a family breakfast this morning and Alex finished his meal with a special treat – his first gingerbread man cookie (made by a Burch family friend):

We arrived back in Paducah to an all better Gram. Mom was so excited to play with Alex:

Then Carolyn stopped by for a visit:

I always manage a trip to El Chico when I am in town. Tonight Alex tasted his first tortilla chip.

After dinner we drove through Noble Park to see the lights. I’m not sure Alex realized what was going on, but he laughed quite a bit. Then Wade and I had a date to see Avatar – which we both enjoyed.

We had a family breakfast and then gathered around the tree:

Alex’s morning nap occurred during our breakfast. We let him eat in the living room as we started opening presents:

Madison got her treat first (in retrospect not a good idea – she ended up sick from it):

Alex helped me open one present:

and then lost interest:

In the pile of presents, Alex managed to find his gift. He was fascinated by the wheels. (Jerry says this is a true vintage toy. It came with the house – purchased thirty years ago):

Christmas celebrations begin with high school friends. Johnna, Amy, Jenny, and I met for lunch at Flamingo Row. Then I picked up Alex and we exchanged gifts at Amy’s new house:

Then it was back in the car for a trip to Memphis to see Wade’s family.

Wade, Alex, and I had our stockings before leaving Milwaukee.

I received an awesome gift in my stocking – a new ring.

Alex opened one of his basket presents and loved the firetruck.

Then we were on the road for our trip to Kentucky. The drive wasn’t too bad and Alex slept quite a bit:

We arrived in Paducah just in time for my Dad’s annual Christmas Party. My mom was sick (probably for the first time in 40 years) so Wade and I put Alex to bed before leaving.

I’m not sure why, but Alex’s favorite destination is the downstairs bathroom. He especially loves the Santa hanging from the drawer who has bells for legs.

The TV stand is the perfect height for Alex. He’s not reaching over his head just yet:

Alex is fascinated by the presents under the tree.

Madison normally doesn’t get into things she shouldn’t. However, I came home from running errands to see this on her pillow:

She found the one present for her and decided to open it early. The funny part is it was from Wade so I had no idea what was in it. Madison left no trace – other than the outer wrapping – so I had to call him at work to see if I should be worried. We eventually discovered most of the rawhide sticks hidden in various couch and chair cushions.

In other news – I had a slumber party tonight. I’m ready for games, food, and 80s movies!