December 2015

So much has happened since Christmas that it's hard to go back and remember everything, but here's a hodgepodge of random pictures.

This one is of Thomas helping me prepare for the Relief Society Christmas activity. He loved helping carry everything inside in this little buggy. Thank you nursery toys for keeping my child entertained during the hours it takes to set up activities. 

My parents were here so of course we had to have a fire to heat the house, because heating systems don't exist in Canada We may have accidentally melted the speaker wires, but luckily it was an easy fix.

Thomas at the ward Christmas party - he was very intrigued by the primary children's singing.

Thomas and Grandma Orth making Christmas cookies.

We had a couple secret shops while my parents were here. Usually when we take Thomas on shops we are constantly trying in vain to distract him with various books, salt and pepper shakers, etc., but with Grandma and Grandpa he got the VIP treatment.

Our son, the nerd.

We went to Seaworld for their Christmas celebration. Thomas enjoyed watching the reindeer.

And of course, drinking hot chocolate.

We thought Thomas would enjoy opening and helping pick out a Christmas tree, but he found more enjoyment in picking up all of the stray twine to throw in the trash. Whatever makes you happy kid. 

It wasn't our worst or best year for finding a tree. I'm not sure if the benefit of going early to avoid crowds and get a good pick is worth the awkwardness of having four employees standing by watching as you open tree after tree looking for the perfect one. 

Thomas has this thing where if someone invents a game then only that person can play the game. If someone else tries to do the same thing it is either not funny or they are told to stop. This is Thomas saying "no mama, only daddy."

Christmas morning was definitely more exciting than last year, but I think the magic and understanding won't really kick in for another year or two.

Stocking stuffers

A trash truck from Grandma and Grandpa Orth. Thomas waits diligently by the window every Monday morning (sometimes for 20+ minutes) for the trash truck to come by. He then goes out and waves when they come by again later in the day. He is awestruck every time.

Our good friends Alan and Allison really showed us up when they came by with their present for Thomas: an electric ride-on motorbike. That is one spoiled boy!

It took him a little bit to get the steering down, but now he's a pro!

And I have to mention the fabulous Christmas eve we had this year. My sister-in-law always hosts a daytime party with delicious corn chowder and fresh rolls. This year was really fun though because several of our nieces and nephews brought brass instruments (plus violins and a piano) and put on quite the show. I had a recording on my phone but it couldn't quite handle the intensity of it all. The Orange County McPhies were in charge of games and did a fabulous job - although I did learn that not everyone is as obsessed with "It's a Wonderful Life" as Michael and I. Even Thomas was able to walk away with a fabulous prize. Another great year with family and friends.