We had a wonderful Christmas this year and Steve's parents flew out and spent the holiday with us. This was the first Christmas that Skyler really knew what presents were and the excitement that comes with having to wait. We got an advent calendar that holds little treats, and he would spend time feeling all the pockets and checking to see what was in them. (Of course he ate some treats a few days early, but who can blame him?). His favorite Christmas books were The Night Before Christmas and Snowbears Christmas Countdown. Last year it was Frosty the Snowman, but this year Skyler hated the part where the traffic cop says "Stop" so he wouldn't let us read it (we couldn't even watch the movie). On Thanksgiving, we got a newspaper to look at the ads, and Skyler got addicted to the toy ads. Steve wrote a letter to Santa with him, and he asked for a football helmet, a construction tool set, and a remote control car. The football helmet was foremost in his mind, and all month he consistently said this was what he wanted. Well, on Christmas morning he found a whole Packer uniform with a jersey, helmet, football pants, socks, and receiving gloves. He has worn this uniform every day since, and we often find him rummaging around in the washing machine or dryer looking for his uniform. Anya got a swing for outside, a tiny baby doll, and a dish set (I think Santa actually brought that for me).
Ursie brought out all kinds of treats (caramels, chocolates, nuts, cookies) and I think I ate them all. Not great to have Christmas so soon after having a baby when you're trying to fit into your pants. Steve's friend Ram was here, and we invited Tanner and Melanie over for dinner on Christmas. Melanie is wonderful to invite to dinner because she brings more food with her than is provided by the host. She made homemade rolls, green bean casserole, jello salad, cheese balls (two kinds), and pretzel rollo candies. While she was busy cooking this feast, I made creamed corn. :) Our fridge and freezer broke on Christmas Eve, so all the food was in coolers on the porch and in the garage. Steve spent a good portion of his vacation dealing with that, but unfortunate events always make for good stories and memories.
Everyone (but me) went skiing a few times while Bill and Ursie were here. Steve took off Skyler's harness and removed the strap holding his skiis together, and according to all who saw him, he is a great little skiier. I still haven't seen him, but he'll probably ski better than me by next year.
