The first weekend of December, we started off the Christmas season by traveling to Strawberry for some family time and to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Mom made turkey noodle soup and other goodies and we got our baby fix in with newborn cousin Owen.
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| Grandma & Grandpa's "open" for visitors...silly Dad:) |
Erin settled down pretty quickly and was happy when it was time to go.
We had Christmas at home on Thursday night before Christmas.
We decided quality over quantity this Christmas and got Erin only four gifts. Something she wanted, something she needed, something to wear, and something to read. Here were our picks:
Want: I discovered Tegu blocks around Thanksgiving and the more I looked into them, the more I liked them and what the company stands for. They are wooden magnetic blocks and I love the colored sets, especially the "Tints" set. I found the Explorer set on Groupon at a fraction of the price, and couldn't resist!
Need: Toy storage! Found these cute storage baskets at Land of Nod on sale at 12 bucks a piece plus free shipping. They fit perfectly into her Ikea Expedit shelf.
Wear: No Slippy Hair Clippys. Erin's hair is just starting to get long enough that it gets in her eyes. I love the look of side-swept bangs on toddlers. I got different colors of the "Bridget" bow style for 50% off (loved the name and the look!) and I got one pink "Nora" flower.
Read: Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli. I stumbled upon this book on Amazon and loved it instantly. It was temporarily unavailable so I tried to find a different book, but I couldn't find one I wanted more than this one. So glad I ordered it...Erin and I both LOVE this book. She cries when it's time to put it away.
Unintentionally, we gave Erin a fifth gift. She loved this gift the most. Silly girl.
Here are a couple pics of Tegu block fun.
Drew and I exchanged gifts too. He way outdid me! He got me another Tegu set and a cool cubby (like what you'd find in a kindergarten classroom) both found on Ebay and white Christmas lights. As soon as it gets carried upstairs, I'll share photos of the cubby. I got Drew a snowmobile performance DVD in a series that he collects. I also get him an ornament every year. This year it was a vintage glass deer ornament.
On Friday night before Christmas, my work Christmas party was cancelled due to bad weather.
On Saturday, we headed to Strawberry again for the Oelrich Christmas! Mom made a delicious meal and we exchanged gifts. A few of Erin's favorite gifts were a hooded towel made by Grandma, an alphabet puzzle from Vanessa & Gary, and crayons from Amanda & Neil.
On Sunday, we went to the Camp Christmas. More yummy food and great gifts! Erin especially loved the straws she got in her stocking and the little booklet that came with her drum set.
On Monday night, we enjoyed the company of friends. Sorry, no pictures.
On Tuesday, Christmas Eve, we traveled to Illinois to visit with Great-Grandparents and extended family. We were treated with more good food and lots of nice gifts. Sorry, no pictures again. We headed back home on Christmas afternoon.
Great-Grandma Rock sent us home with some of her homemade cinnamon rolls. Erin LOVED them. She smiled and said "mmmm" after each bite.
Come Christmas night, we were nestled in our beds, exhausted!
What a joyous time of year! All to celebrate the amazing fact that some two thousand years ago, God saw fit to send His baby boy into this world to die for me and for you.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 10:9
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