Christmas Day

What a fantastic Christmas! The first thing Ian said this morning when I went into his room was "Santa!" He's starting to get it! He doesn't get it completely, though, because we got out of bed at 6:45 this morning. I have a feeling that time will get earlier and earlier as he gets more and more into Santa and Christmas.

We didn't do a ton of gifts this year for little man, nor did Santa, but it was a pretty perfect day. Santa put a wonderfully soft, cuddly elephant in Ian's stocking. It reminds me of Thailand. I doubt Ian will cling to it but when he tosses it aside, it's mine.

We got up and headed right downstairs to open presents.

First we dug into stockings. Ian got the elephant, which he then named "Elephant", and Harold the helicopter. 

This gift was probably the big hit of the day. Legos and farm stuff all in one. What could be better? Opening presents wasn't what I expected. I thought it would be a quick affair - tear off the paper and on to the next. Instead, Ian opened one and then played with it for a long time. Three hours in and we were only on the third or fourth present. I'm sure next year will be different. 

We took a break from playing and opening to make pancakes. Ian's a skilled measurer and stirrer. 

I also made some chocolate bark for the neighbors, so Ian helped smash the macadamia nuts.

Awww....

The big gift that we got for Ian was a little piano. One of his favorite songs is Rumble Rumble Monster Max (to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle). Here he's pounding on the keys, singing. Too cute!

My guys...

The kids came over in the afternoon. William drew Ian's name for Christmas and picked out the perfect Thomas set. Ian, of course, loves it.

After he opened his present, Ian was a little helper. He didn't open anymore of his presents, but helped all of them open theirs. I was so impressed that he helped but didn't have a fit because the presents weren't his. We still have a pile of presents for him to open over the next few weeks or so. As it was, the day was a bit overwhelming for him. 

Dinner was our traditional Chinese food - easy and tasty for everyone! And we ended the evening by watching The Year Without Santa Claus. Ian has loved, loved watching the traditional Christmas movies. He so rarely sees TV stuff that he locks on at every chance he gets. 

The day after Christmas - We had a perfect little day with Ian yesterday, but the overstimulation hit him today. He woke up saying, "more presents!" and then cried and cried because he wanted TV, presents, anything... After about two rough hours, he finally clicked into his typical happy self. He has been playing with his farm legos most of the day.

What a wonderful Christmas...