December 2013

We had a busy, fun December. As soon as I finished finals, I promised myself that Noah and I would have a lot of time together. Between school and caroling rehearsals, I just didn't see him at night like I usually did, and I think that really bothered him. He's very clingy and doesn't ever want me to leave him now. 

Here are some of his Megabloks creations that I mentioned in previous posts. His play time has really become a time of learning. He loves it, and so do I! It's so fun to watch him figure out different ways to use blocks, railroad tracks, and all of his many other toys. I even overheard him creating a conversation between construction vehicles the other day. 

 The day we got back from Florida it snowed about 6 inches. That next day all Noah wanted to do was go "owside." I bundled him up, and took him to play. His hands got cold after about 10 minutes of throwing snow, and he lasted only about 30 minutes outside. His laughter is worth the trouble. Lily loves to play with Noah outside, so she loves when he wants to go!

These are the pajamas Great Grandpa John gave to Noah. He has turned out to be quite the poser. 

 Noah helped Gramma Nancy decorate the tree this year. He loves all the ornaments they have that sing or say a phrase. His favorite was the Indiana Jones one.

 We made sugar cookies with our ward playgroup. The kids were only sort of interested in doing this, but they sure loved eating them!

 Trains are Noah latest obsession. We go to Barnes and Noble about once a month to look at their clearance children books, and he run straight to the train table. He throws a fit basically every time we have to leave. I'm so glad Santa was able to bring him some train tracks of his own! He LOVES them. 

 We love having Corbin on Wednesdays! They boys had a good time one week playing in the snow and making snow angels. 

 I recently got called as an advisor (and camp director....whaaaaa???) in our ward Young Women. I'm loving it so far! I'm nervous about girl's camp, but I know that these girls will make it so fun!!

 There's a theme here....Noah always wants to be outside-rain, snow or shine!

 Craig had an ugly sweater contest at work....guess who won!!  (If I hadn't married this poor guy, he'd marry his cat.)

 Noah hesitantly sat next to Santa this year. He whispered "trains" when asked what he wanted for Christmas. He wasn't afraid, but wasn't brave at the same time for this event. 

 I love that the Orton/Gogan gang invites us to their family Christmas party. I love them SO much, and I love that I can feel like I'm a part of the family. Noah loves going over there, so he didn't really want a picture with anyone, especially Santa.

 The Sunday before Christmas Noah dressed like Ron Burgundy. It was a hit in the nursery!! HAHA

 We spent Christmas Eve at the Skalla home. We ate delicious food, and Noah performed "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" for everyone that wanted to listen!

 Christmas Morning was at the Knight's, and Noah took his time opening presents. He wanted to completely open each one, except for the clothes. He'd just throw those as soon as they were open enough to see what it was. 

 Even Bones got a present-the yearly "sock-stuffed-with-a-lot-of-catnip" toy!

 Though you can't really see the gift I'm opening here, it was one of the most thoughtful gifts Craig has ever given me. At the beginning of our marriage I mentioned how one day I want a pair of real diamond earrings. I know that's probably materialistic of me to say, but I wanted a nice pair that would last years and not infect my ears (darn you, sensitive ears). He saved money behind my back for a whole year, and got me a simple pair of diamond earrings for Christmas. They aren't huge, heaven knows I wouldn't want them huge anyway. They are perfect. And I love them. And I love Craig for doing something extra special for me. (All I did was get him a backpack because his got stolen 3 weeks before Christmas. Albeit a nicer backpack. Note to Craig: LOCK YOUR CAR. And don't leave your backpack in the car, either.)

 I love the Christmas pups! 

 Plenty of cars, trains, and Lego's for Noah! He loved it!

Noah came out with a crazy amount of toys. (Shhhh....There are some we didn't open, and I will regift some on his birthday this year.) The best part of Christmas was living it through a 2-year-old's eyes. Noah would shout, "Wow!" with every new gift opened, and you could tell he really loved it. He is such a cute little guy, and we are so lucky to be his parents!