Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Whoa, Santa!

This Christmas, we planned on having a low-key affair focused on enjoying some quality time as family. Well, Santa didn't get the memo.

I don't know what happened. Arlo must have learned how to work the Christmas system. Of course, we have explained the benefits of prioritizing one or two things to Arlo, and Ryan and I have also talked about planning future holidays around experiences rather than presents. Lesson learned.

Sigh...

With that said, the pictures and videos below summarize our wonderful but excessive Christmas. We missed our family and friends, but we hope everyone had a memorable and relaxing holiday!

Arlo was so excited about Santa's visit that he wished the big night would come already. To cope with the long wait, he played the blues on his harmonica.


Arlo went to Madison, WI, for a few days where he learned how to dance to the Nutcracker. Arlo's cousins, Lucy and Amelia, are not only talented ballet performers, but they were in the Madison Ballet's rendition of the holiday classic.


Ryan and Arlo enjoying a fully decked out Christmas House on our traditional Christmas Eve walk through Olympic Manor.


Christmas morning cinnamon rolls - yum!


Legos!

Arlo is just starting to figure out how to unwrap presents.


Now we have an official play room complete with little table and chairs,


a "Secret Garden" tent with toadstool pillow, a tunnel, and a basketball hoop (see Arlo's demo below).


Ryan and Arlo opening presents. So ridiculously cute.


A playroom that is now ready for action!

1 comment:

B+J said...

Looks like someone must have been pretty nice this year. The play room is awesome--I think we all need a "Secret Garden" space, maybe I'll get one for my office. Happy Holidays Nonericks!