Christmas 08

We had a great Christmas this year. James had a full understanding of the holiday this time around. And naturally, was super excited for presents! He had been very disciplined and controled around the ones that were under the tree for weeks - so when the time came to finally see what was in them - he went wild!


Isabel surprised all of us with her understanding of the whole present thing. At only 10 mo's of age, she was tearing into her presents with the rest of us! She would get really excited when she'd see the gift and squeal and dance (she'll get up on her knees and bop and throw her arms in the air). Then she'd play with her gift for a bit until it was time to move on to the next one!


James is a funny kid. You never can tell with him which toy is his favorite. He seems to love them all equally. He plays and plays and plays with one, and then moves onto another only to repeat. But, it seems like the leaders (so far) are his chair and his Imaginex jungle playset (which lives in the belly of the shark tent.) The chair is a total surprise to us. I thought he would like it - but I had no idea he would like it as much as he does. It's become his spot. He can always be found in it when the TV is on. And not only that, but he drags his pillows into it and curls up like a ball to just relax! It's terribly sweet. And the Imaginex playset has provided HOURS of entertainment for him so far.




Isabel, on the other hand, has clear favorites! Probably her all time favorite thing is her Cabbage Patch Newborn which she has affectionately named Tinafey. She drags poor Tinafey around by her legs, arms, shirt, you name it. But it's really cute because she also loves on her (even at this young age!) She holds her close and gives hugs and smothers poor Tinafey with kisses. She's also drags her along to bed with her. Another obvious favorite is her Sing-a-long piano that Santa brought. It has a microphone, and apparently Isabel thinks she is quite the singer! She talks and squeaks and squawks and laughs and screams right into the microphone then delights in the fact that she has become so LOUD!




Among everything, there are those toys that BOTH children love. The ball blower is the most obvious joint toy (even though it is Isabel's - James always is "going to share.") Another favorite is the jump horse. James gets on and rides around saying "Ye-haw cowboy!" He always asks if Isabel can ride with him. I usually hold her on the saddle right behind him and then they both ride. Isabel LOVES to ride the horse with her brother!



So thank you, everyone for helping to make this such a fun and memorable Christmas. We only wish y'all were closer so we could see you!