We had a wonderful Christmas this year! Although it was just the three (well 4) of us for the big day, we had a great time hanging out as a family and enjoying lots of relaxation time.

We are slowly but surely developing our own traditions to carry on throughout the years to come. This year we started a couple that might just last the test of time. Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning turned out to be very yummy. We also decided to open family and friend-sent gifts on Christmas Eve and just do stockings and gifts from Santa on Christmas morning. This worked out well, as it spread out the gift opening process over two days...Hayden still tends to get burned out on the whole act of opening things. He opens one and then wants to go and play with it, rather than move on to the next wrapped gift. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it just makes for a slow process to get through the pile of gifts.

And what a pile it was! I think we went a little overboard this year. I don't even think we bought him anything the last two Christmases. He was so young and between friends and family, he received so many nice things; we just didn't need to. However...now the toys are starting to get better and better...I have a hard time resisting! And boys' toys are great! Train sets, legos, remote control cars, and walking dinos...it's all so fun!

One of Hayden's favorite gifts this year was his big firetruck. He has loved firetrucks from the get-go, so this was sure to be a hit. With an electronic rotating ladder, flashing lights, and realistic siren and radio sounds, he is in heaven!

As Hayden grows up and more fully understands the concept of "Santa", it will be great to continue to see the wonder in his eyes on Christmas mornings to come! -- mam