Christmas . . . Round 5, a Birthday, and some Friends!!!

Just writing that title is exhausting. Looking back at all we did in a five day time span it was pretty impressive. Reed was really great the whole time. We fiddled with his nap times to accommodate our schedule, let him sleep in the car, and the poor kid ate his plain old dinners without one word of protest while others around him dined on Christmas goodies.

After my family left on Christmas, we headed up to Clovis to the annual McClarty Christmas party. We missed dinner (we knew we would), but made it just in time for the gift exchange. Since we are pretty lacking of local friends with kids and most of our family functions are sans kiddos as well, I think Reed was pretty excited to see 8 kids running around when we arrived. The youngest is still two years older than him, but all of the kids were very nice to Reed. They introduced him to PlayDoh, didn't complain when he climbed the stairs to get to their loft, and Megan (she's 10) even crocheted him a small scarf while we were there.

On the 26th Jon and I both had to work for a bit so Pepe came by to pick up Reed. He took him back to their house and Nonna gave the Kiddo a snack and put him down for a nap, he was still sleeping when we got there three hours later - I guess the Monkey was sleepy!!! Anyway we were there to celebrate Papa's Birthday (Nonna's Dad). We of course had an amazing dinner and had fun getting to spend a little more time with Gran, Papa, Aunt Diana, and TJ.

 

I know Pepe got a couple of group shots, I'll have to post them if I get a hold of them. Our friend Verdo was in town for the Holiday and came over to spend a few hours catching up towards the end of the Birthday party.

Don't they make a cute family!!!

Reed found a pair of glasses in a drawer . . . at least we
know if he inherits his Dad's vision he'll still look cute

On Thursday my childhood friend Sarah, her mom Shelly, sister Ashley, and Nephew Ryan came over for a visit. It was so good to see them and great to catch-up.

At the same time the ladies were visiting Adam, Marli, and Cole stopped by on their trek back to Los Angeles from the Bay Area. It was fun to see the boys play again after spending the weekend together just two weeks prior. Cole gave his seal of approval to the new swing set, I just fell down on the job and didn't get any pictures.

It was an exhausting week, but so worth it. Looking back on all of these pictures makes me realize just how many special moments we had this year.

Christmas . . . Round 4 - Video Addition

I put together a quick montage of the videos from Christmas at our house so you can see for yourself just how adorable Reed was this year.

Christmas . . . Round 4

Having celebrated Christmas a few times already Jon and I had to do our best to do Christmas morning right at our house. It was just the three of us for a bit and we were definitely able too find some more Holiday spirit as we watched Reed discover his new toys. Santa was nice to Mom and Dad and left all of Reed's presents unwrapped. We were able to sit back and enjoy the wonder of a 15 month old a little more that way.

 

My Parents and GG Joan (aka G Momma) came over a little bit later just in time to take our annual pajama picture and for me to discover a gift Santa had hidden in the back of the house.

 



Jon made us all coffee and we sat around opening presents and talking for a couple hours. Reed went down for his nap and the men went to work on assembling Reed's final present . . . a swing set from Grandma and Grandpa.

After he woke up, the ladies kept The Little Man busy enjoying games, reading books, and playing outside.

Grandma and Reed making Stink Faces together

Reed's shoe obsession extended into Grandma's clogs

After a lunch break (Jon grilled tri-tip and we made yummy sandwiches) and a couple more hours of assembly, the swing set was ready to be tested out. As if you couldn't tell from the pictures - it got a big thumbs up from Reed.

 



Yes, our dog is that big

Having a Kiddo in the house just makes Christmas so much more fun. The wonder and amazement in his eyes and the joy in his laughter remind you what life is all about. After a little bit of playing Reed was ready for nap #2, the rest of us watched a movie and put dinner together. GG Joan and Grandma had pre-made the minestrone soup we have every year so we heated it up and I made a fresh batch of bread. When Reed woke up we sat down to dinner and the leisurely part of our day came to an end. Gifts packed up, we said our goodbyes, and headed in opposite directions for the conclusion of a wonderful Christmas day.

Christmas . . . Round 3, but first a Birthday

Nonna's Birthday is on Christmas Eve so usually we end up celebrating a few days before. This year though we got to celebrate on the actual day by enjoying a brunch at our house. Reed napped through most of it, which is probably why I don't have too many pictures, but Chelsea and I switched off  taking a few photos of us at the table at least.

After brunch and presents we loaded up the kiddo and Pepe drove us to Dos Palos where Debbie's parents live. I've been to Christmas Eve at their house quite a few times but have never been able to stay for dinner (they put together an amazing spread and Papa makes some delicious Italian dishes). Since we weren't rushing out the door this year we were able to be a little more leisurely about opening presents and spending time with everyone. I was a little nervous about Reed exploring Gran and Papa's house, it is pristinely clean and has beautiful breakable keepsakes everywhere you look. The Kiddo did great and only once didn't immediately listen when I told him he couldn't touch something. Everyone definitely helped out by playing with Reed. The winning gift of the evening was a recordable Christmas book Jon's Aunt Diana and her husband Benny got Reed. She spent a ton of time recording herself reading the story, but all Reed wanted to do was open the book to the first page and dance to the music that starts off the story.

Reed wasn't sure about Benny signing "milk"
to trick him into letting him hold him

Papa helping Reed explore

Tio helped Reed jump over everything in the living room

 

Shuttling the quilted letters I made him to Nonna

Going  for a flight with Cousin TJ

This was our next attempt at a family shot - better than the night before, but still not great. I also wish I had noticed we were all wearing stripes before we left home, and it was too late to change! At least the pictures with other family members turned out great.

Towards the end of the night The Monkey started to get really sleepy and was too cute when he kept laying on everyone.

Reed wasn't sure about Aunt Diana cuddling with Soft Sheep

I thought the second we got in the car Reed would zonk out, but I think having Mom and Nonna in the backseat with him was too exciting and so it was a good half an hour before he dozed off. Another great day under our Christmas belts!!!