Christmas

I'm almost certain this was the best Christmas yet. It was so much fun watching the kids on Christmas morning. Jackson was dying to know who saw Santa and when we said that we hadn't seen him he wanted to know who had. He just asked yesterday where Santa was now and what he was doing. There is nothing like being at home for Christmas. I love all the traditions- especially the ones that come now that the kids are getting old enough to know and love them too! We got to spend a lot of time with family which is so special. We spent the Sunday before Christmas with cousins, aunts & uncle on the Chapman side, Christmas eve with my family, Christmas morning with the 4 of us and then went to Nate's parents for the day. Addison had a playhouse waiting for her and it was all she wanted to do- forget the presents they were boring compared to climbing all over her playhouse. Whereas Jackson wanted to open every present under the tree- and then some. I was impressed, however, with him caring for each present. He took time and wanted to play with each gift before going on to the next one. Nathan was smart and unpackaged the difficult ones the night before and we just sat those under the tree. I'm not quite sure of his favorite present- the green tractor, ambulance, all the books and games, dump truck from Gram, scooter from Gram, cash register from auntie or his love for his new camera from Nana. They have all been popular. His favorite just might be Addison's ball popper. Addison got some great gifts too- playhouse, dollies (which she isn't into... yet), popper, clothes and a great doll house bookshelf (from Gram). She isn't into things as delicate as dolls and is more destructive and into banging and knocking things over. Addison started walking this week. 10 steps is her max right now but she is constantly doing 4-5 and then falling. She finally caught on that she can get somewhere walking and is doing it a lot more now instead of just giving up and crawling. She's a super quick crawler so that is still her quickest means. She is also a climber and throws FITS to get up on anything- the stairs are her new love. We're looking forward to an eventful 2008. Addy turns 1 in a few weeks. Cousins move within 1/4 mile in less than 2 months. That is perhaps what we are looking forward to the most. How fun it will be to see each other constantly!! For Heather & I and the kids... not sure about Nate & Phil! Nate & I go on our first vacation since Addison the end of February- Cobo San Lucas. Enjoy!

Santa? or not?

I was excited when Jackson was eager to go see Santa. On Friday, Ashton & Jackson saw Santa at another mall in St. Loius and they both waved and wanted to go over and see Santa. So last night we packed up the family and braved the wintery mix and headed to the mall. We arrived at Santa. Jackson was instantly nervous and didn't want to go up to Santa. With my help he went and sat on Santa's lap and I handed Addison to Santa. As I was walking away Addison looked up at Santa and started wailing. I must say that I can't blame her much- I was a little afraid of Santa myself. So... no pictures with Santa. BUT as we were leaving Jackson was asking when he could go back and see Santa. Maybe we'll try again... On friday, Nana & Papa took all three boys on a train ride from Jeff City to St. Louis. Heather & I drove to St. Louis for a little shopping and to pick them up. They were 2 hours delayed in leaving but wasted time at McDonalds. The boys LOVED the train and are still talking about the tunnels, freight trains they met and the conductors. I think Nana had about as much fun as the boys and is looking forward to another trip next year and adding Addison to the mix. Heather & I are looking forward to another shopping trip :). Addison's foot update: tomorrow will be our 3rd visit to the PT. I felt so great after the last appointment we had with Debbie (her PT). Addison does so well and I can see her progress. Addison and I have been working at home on exercises and she is doing so well. She has taken her first step by herself and I feel this is the perfect time to be working so hard on her feet. I'm confident that we can get her walking and standing straight. Happy Holidays!