The required Santa visit

This is the first year we've taken Eli to see Santa.  Years past they had Santa at daycare, and since he was a baby/toddler and didn't really understand what it was all about it, the daycare Santa was sufficient.  But his new daycare doesn't have Santa come, so we thought it was necessary to take him.  This is the first year that Eli really has his head wrapped around this whole Christmas thing so we were all excited about the trip to the mall, aka Santa's house.

We were impressed when Eli walked right up to him and jumped into his lap, like it was something he did everyday.  They talked and talked, but we're really not sure what about.  All we know is chocolate chip cookies were discussed in great detail.  And he told us he was going to tell Santa he wanted a weed eater and a (leaf) blower, but I'm not sure if he actually did or not.  He says he did though :)

Merry Christmas?

I mean, really?  After 6 months of not updating is that all I have to say?  I guess that's the best I've got.  I'd try the excuse that we've just been so busy I haven't had time to update this blog, but that would be a lie.  We have been SUPER busy.  Busy, busy, busy.  But I have had time to update if I would just make the time and make myself do it.  So, with this post I will also say...Happy New Year.  Because part of my New Year's resolution is to keep my blog updated.  Once a week maybe, maybe every 2 weeks.  But something I can say is "recent".  So now that it's in black & white (or whatever color the text happens to be when you read this) you can hold me to it, mkay? 

OK then.  I'm not going to try to go back and catch you up on the last 6 months.  You'll just have to deal with having beach pics followed by Christmas pics.  One of my very good friends Christina did our family pics this year, and we couldn't be more pleased.  She did an excellent job, as you can see.  But I think the best thing about them is how well she did with Eli.  She's got 2 toddlers of her own, so she knows what makes them tick.  But I won't give away any of her secrets, you can just enjoy the results.

Alrighty then.  You're all caught up now right?  Good.  As you can see, Eli is growing like a weed!  I know it's cliche, but it's true.  I bought him a bunch of clothes in October, and the pants are already 2" too short and the sleeves on his shirts are short too.  And my normally very small, thick footed child is all of a sudden in a more "normal" shoe size for his age.  It doesn't feel right to call him a toddler anymore, we have ourselves a little boy :) 

And we're very excited about Christmas.  I think this will be the first year that Eli really gets it.  He knows who the big man in the red suit is, and we've been using that to our advantage to remind him to be on his best behavior.  It's what every responsible parent does right?  We can't wait for Christmas morning.  He really got into Halloween this year, and even Thanksgiving, so Christmas will be a blast.  We've seen the parade, the lights at Tanglewood, rode a Christmas train, trying to soak up all the season has to offer.  Up next are the family Christmas parties and program at his daycare.  We are very thankful this year that we don't have to do too much traveling, so I am especially looking forward to enjoying spending the holiday at home as a family.

We wish everyone (all 3 of you reading) a very Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season.  We are so thankful to have each and every one of you in our lives.