Christmas, part 2

On Christmas day, we celebrated with Steve, Connie, Brad and Brian.  Aunt Michelle was ill and unable to travel; we missed her.  :(   

A grain bin farm set from Uncle Brian.

Lucas got his first set of real golf clubs, courtesy of Uncle Brad & Aunt Michelle.  I see visions of Sunday afternoons on the course...

A doggy Pillow Pet; he was instantly named Sam. 

Brent and Brad "helped" Lucas build with his new Lincoln Logs.

A wonderful day filled with good company, good food and lots of laughs. 

Lucas says...

The Saturday leading up to Christmas, Lucas came down with a fever.  It lasted six long days and was accompanied by a yucky cough. We were thankful that he was healthy for the holidays. 

Besides Motrin & Tylenol, stickers sure helped him feel better, too. 

*********************

Putting his hands on both sides of my {very round} belly and his face right to the belly button, "Did the baby come out yet?"

*********************

After we say grace at meals, Lucas insists we also pray to Baby Jesus.  So I start by saying, "Dear Baby Jesus... okay, Lucas, what do you want to pray for?"  Then he usually whispers to me...

* Thank you for my friends...

* Thank you for our house...

* Thank you for the work men...

And then I repeat it out loud.  Sometimes he comes up with some pretty funny, but definitely thankful, things.

*********************

With boisterous conversations over the holidays, Lucas was heard a couple of times saying "Calm down," and gesturing with his hands, "we're all friends!"

*********************

One of Lucas' favorite bathtub toys lately is a kitchen spatula.  He uses it to mix 'feed' for Papa Richard's cows.

*********************

"Lucas, can you take the ketchup to the table?"
"Yeah, I can."

"Can you turn the light on?"
"Yeah, I can."

"Would you please throw this away?"
"Yeah, I can."

We have a great helper and "I can" attitude!

Christmas

Christmas is such a magical time of year... the spirit, the music, the decorations, the scents. Lucas had so much fun with the traditions and festivities of the season.

At Christmas Eve mass, Lucas was asked to carry Baby Jesus to the manger on the altar.  What an important job! 

One tradition we have is new pajamas on Christmas Eve.  Lucas was excited!  He also got some new books and a new movie.  We watched Toy Story 3 before getting our milk, cookies and a note ready for Santa. 

After Lucas was in bed, Brent and I sat together in the quiet and we both remarked at how magical and pure this time is for Lucas. His joy is contagious and we are blessed to share our days with him. 

Christmas morning brought lots of excitement.  Santa left Lucas' present with all of this farm toys... hmmm, wonder what it was? 

A combine!

Our first "married" Christmas

2003

Our first Christmas as a married couple in our first home with our first tree.  Don't we look young, refreshed and thinner? 

Christmas Program

Lucas had his annual Christmas Program at daycare; he'd been practicing his songs for a long time.  He loves to sing in the tahoe and his favorites are "Jingle Bells" and "Go Tell It On the Mountain."  He'll get in and request "jingle bells" or "mountain."  Papa Steve and Gramma Connie came to watch.

Rhythm sticks - and no one got hurt. 

His buddies - Ava, Lucas, Charlie and Jonah. 

Santa made a visit and had a gift for each child.  This was actually Lucas' first time seeing a Santa in person.  He jumped up & down with excitement when he came into the room.  Lucas was lured in by the present...

then took a second, questionable look at this "Santa" guy. 

Great Pa came, too. 

*

*
*
*
*
*

*
*

The next morning, the daycare sang at one of the local banks.  I had a a doctor appointment that day and arranged it so I could walk with the children from daycare to the bank.  It was a fun treat for me. 

We had to wait for our turn at the bank and Lucas was enthralled with Miss Barb reading a Highlights magazine. 

Lollipop song. 

Ava, Lucas, Bo, Owen, Camden.

Birthday fun

Despite the "hiccups" that led to the birthday party, everything turned out wonderful.

 I wanted the cake to be a surprise to Lucas until party time, but he ended up in the kitchen with me as I was putting the final touches on it.  His reaction was priceless.

When we were singing "Happy Birthday" he beamed from one ear to the other as he looked at each one of us, soaking it in.  It was so neat to see him feel so special! 

A big puff!

*

*

*

*

*

*

On his actual birthday, Lucas got to pick what he wanted for supper - chicken nuggets, french fries and cottage cheese.  And ketchup!  Then he opened his presents from Brent and I. 

Fireman Lucas

Every fireman needs a fire truck!

Even big boys like to play with fire trucks.

The game 'Elefun.'  The blower from the elephant sends air up the trunk and out float the butterflies.  Lucas has enjoyed this game at Ellie's house many, many times.  What an intense look on his face!

Wonderful birthday celebrations for our wonderful, joyful little boy who will be the first one to tell you that he is a BIG kid.  We wish you many more wonderful birthdays, Lucas.