Christmas Part I

We had a wonderful Christmas. While we did a little bit of going, it was a great day. We started the day early in the morning with the opening of presents and breakfast.

Eli showing off his teethy smile.
Later we headed over to Grandpa and Grandma Case's house to open some more gifts and spend a little one on one time with them.
Eli checking out who gave him the gift.

Eli opens...
Eli checks it out...
Eli shows his excitement!
After naps, we headed to Uncle Chris and Aunt Kim's house. Ezekiel had a grand time playing with his cousins, Emma and Peyton. They spent hours playing, running, yelling, laughing and having soooo much fun. We even stayed up super late. Overall it was a fantastic Christmas day full of family and fun.

A Little Taste...

of a Christmas gift that will give to all of you!

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve was fabulous. It consisted of a few family traditions. First we shared a wonderful dinner as a family and then headed off to church for a Christmas Eve Service. We then headed home for our Christmas Eve gifts and cookies. Ezekiel couldn't wait for the cookie he was going to eat and kept telling us in the car that he wanted a big cookie.

We had a great time hanging out as a family, lounging in our pajamas (Christmas Eve gift), and eating cookies. What a GREAT CHRISTMAS EVE!

Eli spent most of the night asleep. So we opened his gift for him!
I love the melt down we had at the very end! It shows that the day was so great they had had enough.

Christmas Events

We have had a couple Christmas focused outings. First we went to see the Huntington Beach Boat Parade.

Here is Ezekiel enjoying the boats and the lights.
It was actually cold and raining!

We also went to a party with some other families. We sang Christmas carols, ate some yummy healthy style food, played, and hung out with friends. It was a great time had by the whole family.

Laughing

The other morning as we were eating breakfast we heard Eli cracking up in laughter. Wondering what was so funny we looked over the couch and found this.

Eli found it hilarious when Ezekiel would completely lay on him. It was so great to hear the laughter that only Ezekiel can bring about from Eli.

Go Forth and .....

STAND!

Eli is a standing man. Today he pulled himself up twice and stood. The first action was done in his crib as he was crying for me to come and get him out. In an attempt to avoid waking Ezekiel up from his nap- I snatched him out, headed straight for the door, and about three steps after pulling him out of his crib it dawned on me that he was STANDING! Of course I couldn't reenact the moment so I had to wait for opportunity #2 to get the photo and....
Tonight upon starting the bath water, Eli's great passion for the water pouring out of the faucet drove him to his feet. He found it enticing enough that he pulled himself up so that he could see the water! Allowing Mommy to get the photo and in the same day! Thanks for working with me Eli!

Funny Things Said...

Mommy "Put your shoes on"
Ezekiel "I want naked feet"

Ezekiel "I want candyland"
Translation- I want a candy cane.

I love hearing the way Ezekiel explains things as he understands them.

Recent Activity

Here are some things that we have been up to...

We visited Disneyland a while back and discovered a new way to eat out. We pack up a dinner, head to Disneyland, eat our dinner and viola.... we ate out! We also visited one ride- Toy Story- Ezekiel always wants to go on the Woody and Buzz Lightyear ride.

Eli is moving with great speed now. Mornings are his cruising time. He explores the house, moving from room to room, and we usually find him in the bathroom. Don't know why he loves that destination spot. He also likes to follow after you. Ezekiel is his favorite to follow and it bring Daddy and Mommy many smiles to see how much he LOVES his brother.

The boys are really starting to interact and we are getting a little glimpse of what is to come. Eli will take Ezekiel's things, Ezekiel gets upset, and pushing results. Don't feel too sorry for Eli- he actually pushes his way around- it is quite comical to watch. He is in no way intimidated by his brother.
Eli pushing himself up a little!

Not Always Smiles

So many people talk about how easy, happy, and content Eli is. All of this is true, but not all the time. He LOVES people and is content when there are people around, but if he is home with just Ezekiel and Mommy and gets set down... this is what happens...

he scream/cries

throws himself forward and slaps his hands on the ground

See he isn't delightful all the time!

Christmas in the Home!

Last week we pulled out the Christmas decor. It was an exciting night for Ezekiel. He was right in the midst of all the action, right under foot wanting to touch, hold, and do all. He is at such a fun stage where the holidays are SOOOO exciting for him. We have prayed many nights, since last week Monday, thanking God for the Christmas decorations. Children bring so much excitement and joy to the holidays.

Ezekiel running back and forth with Daddy as he brought in the decor!

Decorating the tree. See how Ezekiel likes to bunch his ornaments.

Our home has a few nativities placed around. It is great to set them up and talk with Ezekiel about who is in them and why it is important. As we set up our main nativity we had a couple casualties. The poor wise man lost his head and feet while the donkey's legs were totally destroyed. It was still an amazing time talking about the true meaning of Christmas.

The boys also enjoyed a nativity music box our Aunt Helen brought us from Israel (I think it is my favorite)!