Christmas Day 2011 was full of fun and joy. This is the first year that Jonathan actually understood the idea of it all. He left a note for Santa on Christmas Eve, along with cookies for him, carrots for the reindeer, and chocolate chips for the Prep and Landing elves. He tracked Santa on the NORAD site on Gamma's phone, and he made sure that he was asleep by midnight so that Santa wouldn't pass him by! (Of course, according to NORAD's tracking system, Santa had already been through Tacoma by the time he was in bed. Oops!)
He awoke early, but decided on snuggle time rather than present time for a little while. Finally, mommy, Gamma, and Jonathan sneaked downstairs to see what Santa brought (and to see if Santa ate his cookies). Jonathan was a little sad the next morning when he found that the elves couldn't handle how much chocolate he left them! He left A LOT of chocolate! :) He was super excited to get one last gift from his elf, who brought him a present every night during Advent.
After a yummy breakfast of cinnamon rolls and quiche, we all got dressed and then got to opening out stockings . . .
Daddy helped Jonathan with his stocking for the first bit of it. He was thrilled to get some chocolate, an orange, and some fun little goodies to start the day. But he was ready to move on to the big stuff in no time! He had to wait just a little longer while Gamma got some photos, Gampa got some snuggle and tickle time, and we waited for us all to be there.
Time for the real fun to begin! Jonathan had so much fun opening all of his gifts! He was definitely spoiled. From pirate ships to books to clothes to Dinosaur Train friends to binoculars to a gazillion Hot Wheels, he was in toy heaven! We all had a bit of fun, too!
One highlight of the day: Jonathan hitching a ride in Gamma's new L.L. Bean tote from Uncle Gary. It is HUGE! He was able to fit comfortably and have it zipped! Gamma decided that maybe Jonathan could be her carry-on the next time she goes on a trip. :)
He also loved receiving a few games to play, including his first driving video game . . .
. . . and his first board games — Candy Land and Chutes and Latters, of course. He's now obsessed with Candy Land! Daddy helped him break in Chutes and Ladders right away. (Can you see Jonathan's huge line-up of his new cars in the photo below? His collection is quite extensive now and he loves to line them all up by make and color. Do we have a car nut on our hands or what?!)
What topped all other gifts? None other than Jonathan's favorite, Buzz Lightyear! Buzz can do some amazing things and Jonathan LOVES him! He talks, moves in every direction, dances, and so much more.
Gifts were followed by a really simple, delicious Christmas dinner — grass-fed beef pot roast and some simple bread. Nothing too fancy, but it made for a much easier day and was perfect comfort food. Jonathan even enjoyed it! Can you tell we were all tired by dinnertime?
Gamma had the house decorated so beautifully. No detail was overlooked. The tree was sparkling, the hearth was covered with gorgeous fresh greens, and even the chandelier was decked out for Christmas! Truly, every little detail made the day just that much more special.
Before the day was done, Jonathan found one last gift hiding behind the tree. Apparently Santa had remembered what he asked for when he saw him. He left Jonathan one of the bells from his sleigh, with a note asking him to take good care of it. Jonathan was so surprised when Daddy couldn't hear the bell. His face was so full of amazement that he could hear it and Daddy couldn't . . . a sure sign that he had a real Santa bell! The look on his face was just precious and one I will remember every Christmas.
After watching Polar Express one more time, and reading the book before bedtime, Jonathan ended the day by curling up in bed and telling us, "Just remember . . . the magic of Christmas lies in your heart."
Yes it does, sweet boy, yes it does.
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