This was the first year in which Claire had any real interest and understanding about Christmas and was therefore a little more special for her parents, too. Claire now recognizes Santa (aka "Ho-ho") but, wisely, is a little afraid of sitting on his lap but is more than willing to wave. On Christmas morning she feared going downstairs, thinking that Ho-ho might still be there! When she was coaxed down stairs and saw the gifts in her stocking she quickly forgot her fear, however.
Our holidays began with a trip to Iowa City to visit Will's mom. Our time there was cut short due to the weather, but Claire still managed to enjoy herself thoroughly.
Claire sets up her first manger scene with Nana
"Boo-yah!" said Claire when she first saw the SlinkyChristmas Eve was spent at our house. We cooked (and ate) a very good Indian dish, chicken tikka masala, and enjoyed some quiet family time before the chaos that would ensue.
Christmas Day dawned and after opening up our presents we headed over to Ma and Pop's house and then opened more presents with Kate's family.
Claire, so excited about gifts that she didn't want to waste time getting out of her pajamas, surveys the Christmas morning scene.
Claire expertly helps Ma open a giftThe following day we left the icy roads of Iowa and traveled south with Kate's family to Mt. Sterling, IL, home of Kate's grandparents. Saturday was the celebration of their 80th birthdays and so the entire family descended on the farm from across the country. Claire seemed to enjoy the chaos of having so many people around and ate up all the good food that the farm is known for. She also loved the watching the kittens.
Chaos! And this is only part of it...
Claire enjoys (tolerates?) a little quiet time with great-grandpa
Claire and Kate watch the kitties in the barnNow we are home in the quiet of our house, enjoying catching up on a fair amount of missed sleep and marveling at Claire's ever-expanding vocabulary. (Oh yeah! Boo-yah! No, ma'am. Etc.)
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