We had a wonderful Christmas this year! It was our first being home, just the three of us and I think we started (adapted) some great traditions.

But first, I must post this picture of my dear friend Nicole. She was dropping off her boys at my house while she went Visiting Teaching, and alas, got stuck in our driveway. You have never seen such a determined Visiting Teacher as Nicole, shoveling out her car with no coat and designer boots. Thanks to Jared and Berek for bailing us out!

Alright, on to Christmas. We decided to open up PJ's on Christmas Eve, and it was so fun. You may need to shield your eyes from the technicolor PJ's that Hank received. But they were the only Thomas the Train set at the store, and he loves them! He cried when we took them off the next day, and we have already washed them several times so he could wear them every night since.
Shane read us "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Christmas morning Hank found a train set waiting under the tree!

He caught on to this pretty quick!

He loved the art easel Nana and Papa sent him.

After breakfast and some naps, we went over to the Johnson's to celebrate with the family.The kids played really well together!

Dylan was very nice to share his toy with Uncle Shane

Hank and Grandpa

The Nutcracker Sweet

While Shane was out last night, Hank and I were cuddling on the couch. I noticed that PBS was showing a performance of "The Nutcracker". I turned it on, thinking Hank would give me 30 seconds before wanting Mr. Rogers instead. I was wrong. My son sat in abject (and silent) wonder, watching the show. He barely moved a muscle until the moment where the full size Nutcracker jumps out of the magic box. Hank jumps out of my arms, and literally starts imitating all the dance moves. I kid you not-he was marching, leaping, swinging his arms back and forth. He even tried a few double axles (none landed successfully). His face was of total focused concentration. It was hysterical. Shane came in a few minutes later so I rewound the show to the same part, with the same results.

I don't know what was funnier. Hank's moves, or Shane's obvious concern hiding behind a plastered on smile. Luckily, Shane was quickly able to think of a past Heisman Trophy winner who also danced ballet.

To be honest, if I knew my boy was destined to be a dancer, I don't know that I would have named him Hank. Maybe Hans, or Demetri or Meredith.