Pipop's Party

I was super happy that I got to see Mommom's side of the family (The Williams' ) today since I did not get to see them at Christmas. The wonderful occasion that brought mommy and I down to Maryland was my Grandpop's Birthday. Pipop (as most of his 25 grand kids and 12 great grand kids call him) was turning 78 and we all turned out to make sure he knew how loved he was on his special day! As always- I enjoyed being center stage and making sure that  my presence was known to all! I did the old stand-by tricks...falling down, jumping, making scowling faces and just being my personality filled little old me! Mommy is starting to see a trend with me and my love of older women...when my cousin (actually my mommy's cousin) Alex came into the house I was ALL OVER HER!!! From the minute I laid eyes on her everyone else was chopped liver. Poor thing...I made her carry me around the rest of the night even though she probably only has a few pounds on me since she is such a tall, skinny girl! When I ran into the table and mommy scooped me up to comfort me, I even reached out for Alex to take over! This is literally the first time that I have ever wanted anyone but my mamma to console me after an injury! Looks like Alex is gonna come to PA when she is old enough and babysit me since I love her so! Pipop was happy with his party and I was glad that I got to share in the celebration!

The Morris'

Holidays are a time to spend with family- but you gotta add some friends into the mix too!!! Miss Jodi and her kids, Maggie and Dan, came over today to play and take a gander at my new Christmas loot!!! Dan really enjoyed eating my new golf club from my Gater Golf that Aunt Courtney gave me...but Maggie and I didn't spend too  much time playing with the toys- we just hung out with each other.  Miss Jodi and mommy caught up because they do not see each other nearly often enough. Mommy is starting to think that like to hang out with older kids- because Dan closer to me in age than Maggie- yet i am drawn to her! I literally just did what she did and enjoyed being in her company. Come to think of it...maybe I am just drawn to how she dresses! You gotta love a girl who can pull off the combo of  Christmas socks and headband, a princess necklace,  polka dot pants and a tie-dye t-shirt!!!

Holidays With The Ryan's

Our Christmas ended with a bang when The Ryan' invaded our home and we had a rowdy good time!!! Uncle Jeff, Aunt Nina, Robbie, Owen, Auntie Court, Nana, Papa, GiGi Flo, Uncle Rick, Aunt Sarah and Maggie were all in attendance and it was a blast!! It was in no way quiet and we loved it! (Well- maybe  the younger of us enjoyed it the most.) Actually- the day started off quite civilized- but just degraded into full on chaos as the night progressed! At first it was hors d'oeuvres, calm music (18 different versions of "Little Drummer Boy" to be exact), kids playing, adults talking and the opening of presents. Dinner was awesome- with us little ones (and a super cool older cousin Robbie holding down the fort) at the kiddie table. Mommy told me that she really enjoyed seeing all of the cousins getting along, not crying, and eating our meals- simply enjoying each others company!! She explained that, to her- this is what family and holidays are all about! Personally- I think that the ruff housing at the end of the night should be what Christmas with family is about!!! Owen peeing (in a huge arc on the wall, carpet and couch) and running around naked at the end of the night was just icing on the cake of a prefect family day! All those who would like to share in the crazy holiday get together next year just put in your request now...

Christmas Celebration Continues...

Nana and Grandpa come over this morning so that we could spend some holiday time together! I was excited that they were here so that I could give them their presents! The one that was most special to me was the second edition of my Blog Book! It was long overdue- but I think this one came out really nicely! Since I am a spoiled, well loved little tyke- they also had some presents for me. I got 2 wonderful sets of Legos!!! One with Dinosaurs and one with tubes and tunnels. Mommy made a comment about 1. How lucky I was to have so many people who thought of me at Christmas time and 2. How Legos are so much cooler today than when she was a little girl!! It was a short visit- since Nana and Grandpa had tons of other grandkids to visit that day- but a wonderful visit (even though I was being a bugger and would not pose for a nice photo op in front of the tree!) Thanks so much for driving all the way to my house- already looking forward to spending next Christmas Eve with you at your house!

A Christmas Thank You

Dear Santa-

I just wanted to thank you for making my Christmas a very special one this year! Not only did you bring me fabulous presents- but you made it possible for CiCi, Bud and Hoover to join my family for a fun filled day! In the true spirit of the holiday- this is what is most important...but I gotta be honest- the train table and power wheels truck were not too shabby either!!! Mommy and daddy told me that you do indeed check my blog and that is how you knew just the right toys to bring me.  I did not know that they even had the internet all the way up in the North Pole!! You are a pretty with it & technologically savvy Santa!!  I loved all my other presents too- the books, puzzles, Matchbox car mustangs (you know my daddy likes those too, huh??) Thomas train cars, Legos and EVERYTHING else!!!!!!!! It was a fabulous day and the magic of the holidays was definitely present in our home, Santa!!! Thank You for everything and please let me know what kind of cookie you prefer for next year...

Love you-

Jack Ryan

A Devine Christmas Eve

Every other year we head to New Jersey to start our Christmas celebration with mommy's side of the family. The Devines are a rowdy bunch and you never know what the evening might bring- but this year was pretty mellow! Since I was with Nana and Grandpa George last year- this was my first official Devine Christmas Eve and I was not let down!!! I got to see my Great Grandmom Grace, the masses of Aunt's & Uncles, my (second) cousins Karley, Braydon, baby bump Shoemaker, and even SANTA CLAUSE!!!!!! He looked suspiciously like mommy's Uncle Steve- but that did not phase me at all! The minute I saw him walk in the door, my face lit up with pure joy and excitement!! My other cousins did not want much to do with him- but I was brave and sat on his lap (if only for a moment) and shook his sleigh bells!! HOW FUN!! I got tons of loot, played a mean game of high five & hit Uncle Chris,  ate some yummy food (and way too many cookies) played the piano with Aunt Lizzy, and even stayed up until past 9:30PM! I am one lucky boy to get such diverse Christmas Eve experiences from one year to the next and I love them all!!! Those Devines are a bunch of fun and I am already looking forward to 2011!