To sum up this Christmas, all I really need to say is that it was incredibly fun, and wonderful, and filled with child-like excitement! I LOVE how much joy Hunter has brought into our lives.
It's such an awesome ability to re-experiance everything again for the first time. I mean, when Colt and I were growing up, we would literally be trembling with excitement on Christmas morning - and then there came a period of time when "we grew up" and although still fun, it just wasn't the same. :) But now with Hunter - so much of that excitement has returned!! We get to experience child-like joy, wonder, and excitement all over again! It's incredible!
Our week leading up to Christmas was jam packed full of excitement. Nanny Cheree & Papa Bob came up to keep Hunter and took him shopping for his Christmas presents. He came home with some adorable new clothes and a race track toy -with a tunnel & a bridge- that has been a HUGE HIT! (Mommy has actually enjoyed playing with it a little!)
We also spent a full day of just Mommy & Me fun time! First activity of the day was making Christmas treats - chocolate covered pretzels & peanut clusters. My little man loved helping and they actually turned out quite pretty!
Then we were off to a haircut appointment - ughh. The girls at the shop are wonderful to us, but boy do I dread haircuts. Besides the fact that Hunter has to sit still for more than 2 seconds, and the fact that a "stranger" is engaging him & his personal space, he actually acts terrified of grooming; cutting hair or nails. Needless to say, our prior trips have resulted in complete melt downs and the occasional "oops" when scissors & shaking heads meet. Previous attempts have included treats and timeouts, but this time I put more effort into preparing him ahead of time. We talked through the process step-by-step, brought a 'Cars treat' for reward and took the challenge head on. And to my surprise, he did wonderful (not to say there weren't a few tears), but just such an improvement! Part of his reward for completing the haircut was a trip to the library. This has become one of Hunter's most favorite places to visit, so we've been going about once a week and on this trip we picked up several great Christmas books.
**Hunter is so precious talking through the Christmas story and pointing out all the animals and "baby Jesus, Mary, and daddy."**
And though we decided to for-go "presents" this year and only exchange stocking stuffers, my tree looked SO BARE with no wrapped presents, it was kind of depressing . . . so me and my little helper decided to wrap them. :)
Pa & Meme came up to celebrate! Hunter was too cute with how excited he was over all the wrapped packages that were brought in and placed under the tree. He wasn't necessarily interested in receiving presents he just wanted everyone to open their gifts. He was too funny and truly amazed me with how he remembered who's present was who's.
Hunter was so excited about giving Pa some "deer food"
Meme loved her photo calendar
And brought Hunter a few surprises too! His reactions were priceless . . .
And after a quick re-wrap from traveling the long trip from Hot Springs in the back of the truck, Pa brought out the BIG GIFT . . .
Excitement & Concentration working hand in hand
(After the roller coaster, rocking horse, 4WD Truck, and now a tool bench - Andrew and I agree that Pa may have to either start bringing smaller presents or find us a bigger house)
Maybe he'll build Mommy something special one day :)
Colt was excited over his surprise from Dad too!
this is what happens after too much excitement and no nap
Although we wished it could have been longer, it was a wonderful Christmas visit!
~ ~ ~
Boss stayed a few days with us as well. Hunter LOVED him! He spent the first 2 1/2 hours after Colt dropped him off running around with him in the back yard. He was adorable giving Boss his 'commands.' When Boss ran across the pool cover, Hunter yelled, "No-no Boss!" then ran over to me and said, "Mommy, I tell Boss no no!" Boss seemed very aware of Hunter being a toddler, and was great with him, not jumping on him or trampling him once. (in fact he played with him for so long that it was Boss who finally had to call it quits and passed out on the deck)
The weather was quite the contrast to last years freezing cold temperatures!
Mom & Darrell joined us on Christmas Eve for hours of game playing and snacking. We bowled, played tennis, golfed, & ping-ponged on the Wii, then battled it out with Yahtzee & Farkle, and teased our mind a bit with Entanglement. Hunter enjoyed playing along side too with his "special mote co-trol."
He also spent some time working at his tool bench.
We continued our recent tradition of eating Christmas Eve dinner at Outback again this year. Delicious as always (with no mess to clean up)!
Then it was time to set out Santa's treats (Hunter insisted Santa Clause wanted Reece's Cups this year AND that Santa wanted to share them by giving him one too) HA!
We explained to him that Santa might leave him a thank you note for leaving him the treats; Hunter then felt the need to leave Santa a note also. :) Mommy helped write it, but the content came directly from my adorable little man . . .
After gearing up for Santa, we took some time to reflect on the true reason we celebrate Christmas.
Hunter loves to hear about baby Jesus "being born in a barn with lots of animals, rather than in a hospital" and that he had to sleep in "the animals food bowl."
Whether BIG or little, Christmas Eve is always, ALWAYS magical.
Such anticipation and so much joy.
And in no way was Hunter ready to go nite-nite.
But after a few stories from Grandmommy, and then a few more from Mommy, Hunter gave in and "nestled all snug in his our bed"
so that Santa Clause could finally come . . .
( yes, we only had "stocking stuffers" this year . . . LOL )
One of my favorite moments every year.
Glowing light, quiet, stillness, warmth in my heart from days filled with love from family, excitement for the day to come, and always a time to reflect on the blessings in my life . . .
Thank you Jesus
~ ~ ~
IT'S CHRISTMAS MORNING !!! WAKE-UP WAKE-UP
I'm not sure who was more excited, us or Hunter, but there was alot of excitement in the air. We managed to keep him away & upstairs until everyone (and the camera) was ready. Then we let him peak through the banister to see if Santa came - he got so excited and started jumping and saying "Yeah! He tame, yes he did, Santa Twas gave me toys! Yeah!" Then there was no holding him back!
A sweet hug to the new teddy bear and a quick drive of the big trucks - then it was time to do some opening
Mommy's not the only one in this house that gets excited over a new toothbrush! Besides it's Dora & Diego - what's not to love? ( btw - it's been 2 weeks since we've started using it, along with the flossers Santa put in his stocking, and not one tear has been shed over brushing teeth. It's a miracle. )
No doubt his **FAVORITE** present: a truck pulling a trailer with a 4-wheeler on it
Also a favorite: Grandmommy helped Santa find him this dozer - Very Exciting
When asked what all he got for Christmas, Hunter replied,
"A twuck, a twailer, a tractor . . . EVEWYTHING!"
He must get his ability to give "good reactions" from the Williams' side of the family. We kept cracking up with how expressive he was - though after 2 1/2 years, you'd think we'd realize that he's just a very expressive kind of little man! hahaha
After a few minutes of play time . . .
It was time for Stockings! Dig In!!
Another funny quote from Hunter occurred when he opened his card from Granny & Papaw, pulled out a $20 & $5 and shouted, "Yeah!! Two Tickets!!" hahahaha
Abby & I got matching PJs!
Uncle Colt brought Hunter another **FAVORITE** and something that was asked for over and over - though no one would ever notice how happy he was over it ;)
Now he has an actual gun to hunt deer with
(even though he sure was cute running around shooting with his golf clubs)
New Umbrella - He loves it!
Momma seemed to be happy with her calendar and Honeymoon photo album
Andrew and I got $1,000,000 WAA-Haaa-haaaa
Head-Gear for Everyone!!
Buffs for the Boys
And Knits for the Girls
Hunter figured out his new toys pretty quick (and was not at all interested in stopping for a family picture)
"Un-tle Tote" seemed to always be the perfect target
A good shot deserves a high-five
It was a truly wonderful Christmas. Nothing better than being surrounded by a loving family.
We enjoyed having our new additions this year too
And someone finally thinks their Uncle Colt hung the moon . . .
After a yummy brunch it was time to do some playing & enjoy the beautiful sunshine! A great alternate if we can't have a white Christmas.
Hunter felt the need to "help Daddy not fall"
Babydolls and cute girly things, yes. But who would have known how much I'd come to appreciate and love trucks and tractors laying around my house :)
Sharing the love between his "bear" and "rudolf" - My sweet boy
Later that evening Hunter and I were just talking and recapping the day when he asked me,
"Mommy, Santa Twas come?"
I told him YES! and again explained to him about the toys etc. But he kept asking me the same thing over and over, finally helping me to understand that he thought Santa was actually coming to our house on Christmas - not just to delivery his toys and leave but like to hang out and play and give him his toys . . . oops. Needless to say he was a little disappointed but at least now I think he understands what we were trying to tell him all month long
And of course it just wouldn't be Christmas without settling down for an evening with the Grinch.
As the day comes to an end and the excitement fades to exhaustion ;)
It's always wonderful to snuggle down with the ones you love most and thank God for sending his Son, and to wish Him once more -
Happy Birthday Jesus
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince Of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with Judgment and with Justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9:6-7
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