More Christmas photos

"Helping" G.G. dig up weeds
Sharing ice with some new friends at the Sunday school Christmas party
"Hooray!"
Playing with Great Aunt Judy
Family stockings

Christmas in Orlando!

We had a great Christmas in Orlando this year. We enjoyed the warm weather, lots of time outside, relaxing, and spending time with family, including Aunt Judy and Uncle Terry who met Nathan for the first time on this trip. It was really the perfect getaway. Nathan had a blast spreading his wings throughout his grandparents' large home which made him hard to keep track of and made me realize that maybe a small first home would be perfect for us.... : ) Nathan also loved helping himself to the outdoors via those ever handy door handles that he has so expertly mastered. I have never wished more for doorknobs than I do these days. To my surprise, however, Nathan did not have much interest in G. G.'s many Christmas decorations other than the initial touching phase on the first day that we arrived. G.G. also made it special for Nathan by giving him his very own Christmas tree to decorate (formerly Scott's) which was really special.

While in Orlando Nathan swam in the hottub with G.G., went for long walks around the neighborhood, to the playground, to the grocery store, etc. Still in his "driving" phase, car trips were difficult unless we could tolerate the frozen pose trying to get him into the carseat and the screaming. Needless to say we avoided most car trips and stayed home. I was initially concerned that Nathan wouldn't get into or understand present opening but was proved wrong on Christmas Eve when he happily tore into his "one" present and then proceeded to try to open everyone else's. I also learned another valuable lesson: assemble the presents before he opens them. Patience is not one of Nathan's strengths at this point.

The best surprise of all this year for the little guy was his introduction to the Evans' trains. Set up on Christmas Eve, Nathan saw them for the first time on Christmas morning and just loved them. He figured out quickly how to turn the train on and make it go faster or stop and enjoyed watching the train zoom around the track with Daddy or Pop Pop.

Scott and I got a wonderful date night at the Grand Bohemian (my first overnight away from Nathan) and really enjoyed time just the two of us. Big thanks to G.G. for taking care of Nathan so that we could get away for the day.

All in all, the entire clan enjoyed a restful and fun family vacation for Christmas which was much needed. Though really bratty before (and I am going to jinx myself here), Nathan has been such a good boy since we got back. I think he needed a break too. He has more presents than he can play with so we have hidden some away for rainy days, and his own suitcase for future trips to G.G. and Pop Pop's house. Merry Christmas 2007! Nathan's Christmas tree
Watching the trains with Pop Pop
Opening presents
The entire family - Christmas photo
Evans Family - Christmas photo