Christmas Morning

This Christmas we woke up at our house (which was amazing) around 6:00 with Cole while Ibbie slept in. Cole saw a new play mat which stopped her in her tracks on the way to the kitchen. She got out her trucks and construction equipment then started playing right away.

When she finally made her way into the kitchen the ran directly for the wrapped play kitchen. While she unwrapped the gift she just kept exclaiming, "Ooooooo! Oooooooo!" She started playing and didn't stop until her sister woke up at 8:00. 

By 10:00 we were in Baltimore, celebrating Christmas at Scottie and Big's house in our pajamas.

Around noon, we got over to my dad's for a way too good and way too big Christmas breakfast. Cole had a blast playing with the toys my dad set out for her and demanding rides her new red wagon.

We decided to spend the night in Baltimore and leisurely make our way home on the 26th. It's funny how much more relaxed Christmas was since there was no pressure to get in as much quality time as possible. We thought it would be nice to live closer during the holidays and fortutnaly, that seems right.

A Few Nights Before Christmas

A few nights before Christmas we drove into Baltimore to welcome my brother, who was visiting from Florida, have dinner with my mom and see the trains at Kenilworth.

The train garden at Kenilworth has been part of my holiday tradition for as long as I can remember. An extensive world of model trains is set up in the center of the mall for about a month. There are buttons for kids to push which bring certain features to life. Cole loved it! Next year we'll have to make an effort to go at non-peak hours. 

Coping Mechanisms

Christmas was wonderful and I'll eventually get a post up about our day, for now you must see how inventive my children are. As we all know, holidays can be as stressful as they are fun with total disregard for any sleep schedules and many relatives to meet, see, and hug. Fortunately, my girls have developed their own unique coping mechanisms.

An hour passed bedtime, Cole decided she'd had enough and just called it a day. This one really is a toddler.

Ib took a different approach. She went from relative to relative cooing and drooling as babies do but promised payback later on. She told me with her eyes. And finger.