Christmas recap

     I know this post is long overdue, but this week we have been getting back into the swing of things, settling back into our routine as our little family of three after more than a week with family for Christmas. It's always an adjustment being back, especially for Owen, after having non-stop attention from all his grandparents and aunts and uncles. 

     Not much can be said about this Christmas other than it was one of my favorites of the past few years. Not that each Christmas isn't special in its own way, like our first married Christmas, the Christmas I was pregnant, and Owen's first Christmas, but this one seemed different in some way. I will always remember how Owen's precious toddler presence energized the room at my in-laws on Christmas Eve. How everyone remarked afterward that it was different somehow with Owen. And I will remember how much he loves everyone in our family despite the fact that we don't live nearby and see them on a weekly or even monthly basis sometimes. He knows all of them and loves each of them so much. He was particularly attentive to his Papa's presence this year and would notice immediately anytime he left the room, asking, "Where Papa?" 

      At my parents house, opening presents and spending time together on Christmas Day took over and we forgot about everything else. So much so that our afternoon Christmas dinner had to become an evening Christmas dinner. And how Owen spent more time climbing my dad's new mechanic's chair than playing with any of his toys. 

      I guess that maybe this year Owen reminded us all to appreciate the simple things in life.  The little moments and the little joys. How a room full of toys is nothing compared to being pushed back and forth in a cardboard box by a grandma. 

Painting sugar cookies with Aunt Leah, a Rumely family tradition. 

Owen's completed cookies. 

A small sampling of our decorated Christmas cookies.

Uncle Joseph can always be counted on to get Owen wound up before bed.

Checking out his new Mickey Mouse slippers with Aunt Jenny.

Little boy silliness.

Family photos before the candlelight service at church.

Books are always a hit with our little reader.

Helping other open their presents was even more fun than opening his own.

Mommy's proudest moment: a toy that held Owen's attention for more than 15 minutes. Batteries not included.

Vroom vroom. Honk honk!

Another winner this year.

As always, Owen has to check out the "cowboy" at Grams' house. 

In addition to a great jungle gym, Grandpa's new mechanic's chair also makes a good desk.

Who cares about presents? It's all about the boxes!

Outside adventures with Grandpa are always lots of fun.  

Running toddlers crack me up.  

An outside boy.