Our merry little Christmas

As Paul put it on Christmas morning, "Christmas with a two year old rocks!"  It was impossible not to be caught up in the beauty of the season and the gift of Christ's birth.  I expected Ryan to be far too young to even begin to understand what was going on, but from the moment he saw the nativity scene, he seemed to sense that this was something truly special.  He loved holding the baby Jesus figurine, reading books about His birth, and listening to Christmas hymns.  His favorites were "The Drummer Boy" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" (Josh Groban's versions, of course).

The limits of his understanding became evident, however, on Christmas morning.  We had explained many times that we give gifts to celebrate Jesus' birthday.  So, when Ryan saw the presents waiting for him, he loudly screamed "JESUS!  JESUS!" over and over as he opened each one.  He still announces, "Jesus' birthday!" any and every time he sees a wrapped gift.  Precious!

 Our annual visit to the Grove Park Inn to see the gingerbread houses and amazing decorations (Ryan is sharing the sleigh with the Breedlove and Dellinger children.)

Christmas Eve: Santa delivered a Ryan-sized table and chairs along with a few more special presents.  We couldn't wait to see his reaction in the morning!

 

Playing with his new "man stuff" (Ryan and I both had terrible colds that week.  Notice Paul giving Ryan a nebulizer treatment while he enjoys his new toys!)

Ryan's new kitchen from Nana Kay and Granddaddy!

A Belknap family tradition

Opening a set of sports balls from Grammy and Grandpa

 

The Kruegers