Christmas Morning

Payton and Heather must have been pretty good kids this year. Santa came to our house, ate the prerequisite cookies, and drank iced tea (Payton's choice), and left lots of presents.

Later, we went out to Grandma and Papa's house, for more presents.
And, of course, despite all the cool toys, Payton found a cheap, easy way to entertain himself. All he needed was a set of stairs and a lack of fear.

Jingle Bells

Jingle bells, Batman smells. Robin laid an egg. Batmobile lost a wheel, and the Joker got AWAY!!

Santa's lap

A day prior to going to see Santa, I asked Payton if he was going to sit on Santa's lap. He said he was, and was going to ask Santa for "dinosaurs, a red one and a green one." That lasted until we walked into the mall, and saw Santa in the flesh. Then, Payton was hanging onto my neck with a death grip, crying. We put Luke onto Santa's lap (more crying there). But, when Payton saw Santa give Luke a candy cane, we were GOLDEN. You can see the result in the picture. After Payton and Luke were done with their photos, Santa walked up to Carrie (8 months preggo), and said "when's your little girl due?" SANTA KNOWS!!!

Putting up the Christmas tree

Payton was big enough this year to help put up the Christmas tree. He was so excited. His patience was pretty short, however. He couldn't wait very well while I put on the lights. Once he got to start putting ornaments on, though, he was a Christmas decorating machine.

I've been working with him on the reason for the season, so to speak. He doesn't quite have it yet. He kind of understands that it is Jesus' birthday celebration. He wants Santa to come right now! We had to make a paper chain, where he can rip off one chain each night, to see Christmas get closer and closer.
Merry Christmas everyone!! (I also put up a couple of "first snow" pix)