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Christmas 2015
TODD’S SECOND CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 23 – 27, 2015
Note– I was going to include this stuff in my “Todd the Toddler’s 17th Month” post (soon to be completed), but that post started getting too long. So here is a separate post just about Christmas 2015. (I know, I know…it’s February now and Christmas is OVER! Sorry!)
Over the river and through the woods – December 23, 2015
On December 23rd, we drove to Bend, OR for the Christmas holiday. We got a later start than usual because we waited until after Todd woke up (at 7:15 AM) to get on the road. I figured the days away from home would be pretty busy so I didn’t want to cheat him out of any sleep by waking him up.
Unfortunately it took much longer than usual to get there because we were stopped on the snowy highway just down from Mt Hood due to an accident closure. Despite the long car ride, Todd did quite well because he had the opportunity to get out of his car seat and explore the car for a while.
It was dinner time by the time we rolled into Bend. My sister picked us up some take-out from Spork (yum).
Stopped on the highway near Mt Hood – December 23, 2015
We stayed with my sister, brother-in-law, niece & nephew. During the visit, we also spent time with my parents (“Grandma” & “Grandpa”), my aunt & uncle, and my brother-in-law’s parents (“Nana” & “Grampy”).
On Christmas eve, my mom & aunt babysat Todd while we did some x-country skiing with my sister’s family at Virginia Meissner Sno-park. Todd napped for 2.5 hours in his Pack ‘n Play travel bed, which was awesome!
X-country skiing at Virginia Meissner Sno-park – December 24, 2015
That evening, we celebrated my dad’s birthday (12/24) like we always do, by having drinks and a lasagna dinner. After dinner, dad opened his presents and we all watched “The Muppet Family Christmas.” This year the celebration was at Nana & Grampy’s house.
Me, my sister & parents – December 24, 2015
Todd stayed out of trouble in the new surroundings, and he had fun being bounced on a yoga ball and dragged along the carpet by his cousins. He even found a “gar” to play with.
Having fun with Todd’s cousins – December 24, 2015
Playing with a car on Christmas Eve 2015
Christmas morning was overwhelming for Todd, so he preferred playing a little further away from the action. He liked hanging out on the stair landing, above the Christmas tree.
Christmas 2015
The stuffed frog “Relaximal” from my mom was an immediate hit. He loves pillows and big stuffed animals. On Christmas Todd gave me lots of kisses, and he kissed his cousin Ashley and his Grandma, too!
Pillow frog from Grandma – Christmas 2015
Later in the day, Todd was dressed in his snow gear to try out his new snow sled in the yard (also from his Grandma). I watched from inside, but he seemed to do okay!
Eric & Todd – Christmas 2015
Todd napped for 2.5 hours after having such a stimulating morning. Christmas dinner was at my parents’ house, with my aunt and uncle. We always get a kick out of this singing doggy…
The day after Christmas included a short walk in the snow near my sister’s house. In general, Todd hasn’t spent much time in baby carriers, but when he does get a ride in the Ergo carrier, he seems to enjoy it.
Elisa & Todd – December 26, 2015
In the evening of December 26th, we all gathered again for our “traditional” Christmas dinner, vegan of course! We always have Field Roast’s Hazelnut Cranberry Roast En Croute. That meal was at my sister’s house.
Cousins – December 26, 2015
We listened to festive music and Todd showed off his dance moves to Chuck Berry’s “Run, Rudolph, Run.”
Todd took an interest in Kaiser the cat during this trip. One time Todd got a little too close for Kaiser’s comfort which resulted in Todd receiving a small scratch. For the most part, though, Todd followed our instructions to be “soft and gentle.”
Eric, Todd & Kaiser cat – December 26, 2015
By the end of our trip, Todd got somewhat confident walking down the stairs unsupported. Before that, he first learned how to safely descend them by crawling backward and by walking down with support from one railing or a helping hand.
On one set of just 2 steps (into the play room), Todd accidentally did a somersault down one step. I caught him as he rolled out of it. At first he looked surprised and little scared, but wouldn’t you know…he soon tried to repeat it on purpose!
On December 27th, we drove back home. We made 2 food stops (Baja Fresh & Starbucks). Todd pooped 3 times…haha! Pooping while riding in the car is definitely out of the ordinary for him.
Headed back home –
December 27, 2015
When I opened the mail at home, I felt so happy to read this lovely card from one very special lady. I hadn’t heard from her in a while, and it was like getting a big hug! I love her.
Christmas card from Lillian
Todd’s excited to spend lots of time with family – August 7, 2015
This month, my sister and her kids came up from Oregon for what has become an annual summer vacation. We usually split the time at our house (north of Seattle, WA) and our condo (in Wenatchee).
Last year was the only exception: they still came up, but not to do all the fun stuff mentioned below. We were #WaitingForTodd to be born. That was no vacation (at least for me)!
Here’s what we did on each fun-packed day this year….
AUGUST 7
Family arrived on Friday! Todd was so happy to see his aunt and cousins. It was like, “See ya later, mama!” We took a short stroller walk to the library before Eric got home from work, then Todd got to open his first 1st birthday present(s) early. (Thanks, guys!!)
Todd helps set up the beds for our house guests – August 7, 2015
AUGUST 8
We had a morning soak in the hot tub before us girls went to the Taylor Swift concert. That meant Eric was in charge of two kids for the entire afternoon/evening! Note that it was ~8 year old Eli who pointed out that the movie “Stand By Me” had “a lot of bad words.” (Rated R!)
Hot Tubbin’ – August 8, 2015
AUGUST 9
En route to our condo in Wenatchee, we stopped in Leavenworth for a late lunch/early dinner at South. It’s a restaurant with Latin cuisine that different people over the years recommended we check out. It was okay, but nothing worth getting excited about. They do give the kids Wikki Sticks, though…
Eli with his Wikki Sticks glasses – August 9, 2015
In Wenatchee, we took Todd for his first “car cart” ride at the grocery store.
Riding in a car cart – August 9, 2015
AUGUST 10
In late morning, we rolled, strolled, and/or biked for 6.15 miles along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail.
On the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail – August 10, 2015
In the afternoon, we cooled off in the condo pool. Todd tried his covered pool float for the first time, while chewing on vegan squid. Before it was time to go, I dunked his head underwater for the 1st time. He handled it well!
Elisa & Todd – August 10, 2015
AUGUST 11
August 11th last year was Todd’s due date. Obviously this August 11th was a LOT more fun!
When my sister and her kids come to Wenatchee during the summer, it’s a tradition to play certain games that Karin and I loved in the 80’s (Stop Thief and Lost Treasure…remember those??)
It’s also tradition to spend a day at Slidewaters in Lake Chelan. That’s what we did on Tuesday. At first, Todd was content to simply attempt putting every rock he could find in his mouth. He wasn’t too impressed with the “Aqua Zoo” area for little kids. Pretty quickly, though, he realized how fun it was to slide down the small slides with Eric (they’re actually fun for all ages). In the afternoon, we all floated on tubes in the Lazy River.
Elisa & Todd at Slidewaters – August 11, 2015
AUGUST 12
On Wednesday we took a short hike (1.89 miles total) up Beehive Mountain. Todd enjoyed his ride in the Ergobaby™ carrier. (We don’t use it enough!) After that, we stopped by Beehive Reservoir.
Todd – August 12, 2015
Beehive Mountain – August 12, 2015
After getting sweaty in the heat, another trip to the pool was in order. This time, Eric did the “Todd dunking”…
That night, Todd was so tired that he bagged out on Ashley on the couch. We teamed up to change his diaper, don a onesie, then move him to his bed. He never woke up!
Todd & Ashley – August 12, 2015
AUGUST 13
On Thursday, Ashley had the great idea to do some miniature golfing in Leavenworth, at Icicle Junction.
Mini golf in Leavenworth – 8/13/15
Afterwards, we ate lunch at Munchen Haus, where they have vegan dogs loaded up with all the good stuff: tons of different mustards, warm sauerkraut, onion, relish, and jalapenos (if you like).
Finally, we checked out the vegan fudge selection at The Flavor Express. They had 3 options. All were excellent, but the chocolate raspberry was phenomenal. I should have bought more than a 1/4 pound!
And– a third trip to the pool!
Eric & Todd – August 13, 2015
AUGUST 14
While we all packed up to go back home on Friday, we engaged in another tradition: watching “Honey I Shrunk the Kids.” (We have a pretty sweet collection of VHS movies at the condo!)
Other highlights for the week (that I didn’t already mention):
- Slumber party-type sleeping arrangements for our guests (in a small house/small condo!)
- There was a little “tree incident” (enough said!)
- Todd loved when his cousins shared their Os cereal with him
- Hanging out on the condo deck
- Watching movies (“Harry & the Hendersons,” “Father of the Bride”)
Todd & Eli on the deck – August 12, 2015
I think that’s a wrap!!
Todd – August 10, 2015
C’mon, Eric- the water’s fine! – August 10, 2015
Freeheel Vegan 