Christmas!

This Christmas was Foster's first 'real' Christmas. He was only 6 months old last year so he didn't really get into things as much as he did this time around. It really made things like decorating and presents so much more fun! He loved the Christmas lights, of course, and when driving around would point out the houses that were most spectacularly decorated. Ryan took advantage of my weaknesses and used Foster as an excuse to go out and buy more lights and new stockings. I think it was the first year we decorated the outside of our house as well.

Foster also got into the holiday spirit at Nana and Grandpa's and Omee and ChuChu's house. He had my parents' village and big tree to explore and the Buchans had fun Christmas balls and their own village set up in the kitchen.

We kicked off the season by getting our Christmas tree with the Kuders. We went to a place in Issaquah that was nice and had a ton of fun stuff for the kids like music, hot cocoa, train rides, etc. They also had really expensive trees and not many that were very tall. Ryan and I agreed we need to find a cheaper place before Foster gets hooked on all the amenities of this place.

We cut down a tree but then ended up switching it out for a pre-cut one we liked better on the way out. I'm glad the kids got to help cut one though, they were really looking forward to that part.

After setting up the tree and decorating the house we spent a lot more time this year doing holiday-centered activities like visiting neighborhood lights, seeing multiple Santas, and checking out reindeer. We even set up a little Christmas tree in Foster's room so he could have his own lights to turn off and on.

We got a few gingerbread houses to decorate too, but never did get around to that part...I suppose they'll have to keep until next year.

Ryan and Foster spent a dude day going to the zoo with Omee, Aunt Lara, Sable and some friends. Foster had a great time hanging out with the kids but both he and Sable were less than enthused about their first encounter with Santa for the year. Omee, on the other hand, was thrilled.

They had reindeer at the zoo for the kids to look at, and Foster and Sable were scolded by an elf for tossing little rocks off the walkway into the reindeer pen. Hopefully Santa doesn't find out.

We spent one evening checking out Candy Cane Lane, a neighborhood in Ravenna that decorates every year. I wonder if people are alerted when they move onto this street that this is expected. I also wonder how many people refuse. There only seemed to be one or two houses that weren't completely decked out. They focus on lights and messages of 'peace'...but we all know it's Christmas. That's got to turn some people off from moving there or participating. Foster enjoyed the lights but really enjoyed running around at night with so many other people and other kids around.

Foster and I joined the Gaffney family at zoo lights for some more running around at night. Foster loved it, but really had a hard time leaving one set of lights to go check out the next. The kid did not want to be rushed. It was fun to watch him and Emery run around, with Foster trying to impress her by pointing out lights he thought were particularly cool. "Light! Light!".

We took a ride around the carousel while we were there as well. Emery was not going anywhere without that horsey ride first.

When it was finally Christmas time we divided our time up between the families. Once again we noted how lucky we are that our families both live so close and it's just my parents and Ryan's parents that we have to make sure to spend time with. I imagine it would make the holidays ten times more stressful if we had families that lived far away or had multiple sets of in-laws to visit. 

We started things off on Christmas Eve by having Fondue with the Buchans and Randalls. Sable and

Foster had a blast chasing each other around in their adorable elf outfits (total coincidence). They both sat for a brief period to open presents and were excited about the books and toys that they were given. Foster had two highlights for sure, a baby push stroller to keep at Omee and ChuChu's place so he didn't have to fight for Sable's and then also a little mower that Lara and Walker got for him so he can 'mow' the carpet. Pretty much anything that he can push around these days is a colossal hit.

We left late in the evening with a very tired, but very happy little elf.

Early the next morning Ryan and I were up. Well....by early I mean around 9 or so. Foster didn't get up until close to 10 so we had to pack him up in his PJs and load him and his stocking into the car to head to Bellingham. We had brunch at Janice and Bill's with Papa, Lara, Chuck, and my parents. Foster opened up his new shoes and a music box from Papa and we all relaxed for the morning. Later that afternoon we headed to my parents to spend dinner with them...and more presents.

Foster definitely got spoiled this year. Between my dad's inability to say no to toys in general, and Mark and Kris showering Foster with gifts from afar...it was a prosperous year for our little guy. My dad found a battery-operated set of cars that have fast spinning wheels, lights that go off and on, and lots of noise. Foster spent ages just watching the wheels go 'round and round'. Mark and Kris got him some cool blocks and gears as well as a broom set so he can help out around the house. Some things we left at my parents' place, just like we had done while at Omee and ChuChus, and others we hid away in the office to pull out on a rainy day when looking for something new to play with. Eventually we'll need to get the office in a place where it's a fun kid room and set it up with things like the new art easel that my folks got Foster.

All around it was an awesome holiday and I'm so grateful that we got to spend it with the people that make us such a lucky family. It appears that eventually we'll have to make some rules about how many toys the kids get each year, but for now we're letting the grandparents have fun. :)

Taking a walk with the Griffiths after Christmas