Early morning ride...

After Gavin finished opening his Christmas presents from us and Santa, he insisted that he go outside and test out his 4 wheeler.  It was cold, windy and still very early.  But we couldn't deny him, we wrapped him up in layers from thermals, hoodie, gloves, and a beanie to keep those ears warm.  

It only took 2 minutes into him riding for him to flip it over, fall off and scrap up some body parts.  Luckily he had on all the layers and his helmet.  But he just took the turn a little fast and hard and it flew him right off and knocked the 4 wheeler on its side.  It scared him just enough to learn to slow down in the turns...a learning experience that was quickly absorbed!!!

Santa had a big bag this year!

Santa must've had Gavin on his nice list because he sure filled up his bag with some really big toys.

Gavin was so excited...so much that he didn't even come and wake us up.  And it was early, still dark outside and not even close to 7am, which is what time he usually wakes up.

Good job Santa, I think you hit the nail on the head this year!

Reindeer gotta eat too...

So after making Santa his cookies, getting them set out with a mug of milk, getting a bath, putting on pajamas and settling down for the night, we had to make sure the reindeer knew where to come.  We couldn't leave them out...GiGi had found the most perfect reindeer mixture to for sure get their attention.  

Jeremy and Gavin got a tube each of food and sparkle and spread it out for them to see and eat.  I do love these family traditions we do and how we are creating memories for Gavin.

Cookie Time Traditions...

Every year we make cookies for Santa.  Not you plain cookies, but dough that we roll out, flour every where, cookie cutters, icing, and sprinkles.  I do my best to make it a family tradition...getting Jeremy involved too.  

We made some of the best cookies yet....I try to improve them each year.  I know with each year and adding baby Reese to this family tradition, it's only can get better!

Which list?

Its that time to go and see Santa...to sit on his knee, tell him what you want for Christmas and find out if you are on the naughty or nice list.  

Gavin had this long list of things he wanted Santa to bring and I of course had my pen and pad ready to make sure we had everything covered.  He freezes up when he gets around the big guy, only one thing came out, Hot Wheel car maker!  I asked Gavin, what happened to his list on things and all he said was I got a little nervous.  I think because he knows he has really only been ok and not his very best that we know he can be.  But he will get there before Christmas:)

Candy Stealer...

This was the first year we have made a gingerbread house.  GiGi got us a little kit and Gavin was super exicted about putting this thing together and decorating it.  

He has taken after his daddy when it comes to cooking and wanting to be in the kitchen.  He loves to watch cooking shows with Jeremy and gets all into them, wanting Jeremy to try things he sees on tv.  He doesn't get to extreme because he is still a very picky eater.  But he saw some show where they were cooking for kids and the had hot dogs wrapped in bacon with tooth picks suck in them, 2 of his favorite foods! 

But back to the gingerbread house!

So we got the big pieces seperated, all the different candies in little seperate containers and softened the icing.  We were ready to put this house together.  It took a little patience and steady hands but we got it together.  Then I let Gavin go to it and decorate away, however he wanted.  Of curse Mr. Peculiar wanted it to look just like the box!  So after 30 mins it did...he had every piece just how he wanted it.  

We sat it on the wine rack for display and show it off.  But each time I walked by I noticed pieces of candy missing from the roof, one piece here, then 3 pieces on the other side.  He couldn't keep his little fingers off...but it was ok...he had a blast:)

Poker face

Gavin loves playing Monolpy these days. He loves the fact that he gets all this money and essentially can buy everything he lands on, which he does.  He is so funny playing this game, he really gets into it and hates going to jail!!  

One Saturday morning he wanted to play and so we got it out and played for hours, he only had about $8 dollars left, so we had not choice but to stop.  

But the funny thing was Gavin trying to be all poker face about the game. He went and found these heart sunglasses and painted some camo paint on his face. I kept telling him you have to be strategic about what you buy, don't buy everything you land on.  So I guess that was his strategic move!!  Basically that too is why it tool so long to play, otherwise he would have been out of money in 30 minutes.

But we had fun and made some memories and added some quirkiness too his list:)