Christmas 2009

Jesse with his Pillow Pet

This Christmas was very nice.  It was just us and the kids.  We had spent time in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas cleaning out toys and making room for things we knew were waiting under the tree for the kids.  This is the first time we've done this and it is amazing how great it was.

Tyler showing off her Lego creation

Also, the kids did not get alot of junk this year.  I don't feel like we have "stuff" all over the house like I have in past years.  For the most part we had a lego Christmas and spent the morning building things with the Legos. Oh - and the motorcycle!

We expected Tyler our daughter to be the daredevil who would be out on the bike every chance she got.  And we expected our son, Austin to be the one to avoid it.  He doesn't even like to be in the garage when Shaun starts up his Harley.  But we have been surprised.  Tyler wants nothing to do with the bike at this time, but Austin can't get enough.  He has even had a couple mishaps already which he has just brushed off with a laugh and kept going.  So now we need to get some more gear with him to keep him safe (we have training wheels on the bike right now, a helmet and gloves).  And we need to take him out somewhere to really let him practice riding and getting the hang of it all.

I'm very happy about this.  Austin is our drama child and can be extremely whiny at times.  However, when he is on this bike that all flies out the door.  I think this is going to be an amazing opportunity for Shaun and Austin to bond as I have been wanting them to be able to spend more time together.

Jesse of course wants to ride the bike too but at this time we only allow him to be on it with Dad.  The little guy can't even touch the foot pegs very well yet!  I think he'll be counting the time until he gets to ride by himself.

Austin's favorite "toy"

I am amazed at all the blessings in our family.  And I'm looking forward to see what God has in store for us in the New Year.