Joyous Christmas

Jackson brought a whole new meaning to Christmas joy this year. 

My husband's Grandmother was in town for the week. She hadn't seen him in about six months. Jackson is always quick to giggle around her and it just makes you smile to see them spend time together. He is so fortunate to have four generations of family on both sides. 

Belly laughs with Great Grandmother

We went to church on the 23rd. The service was beautiful and time together with Matt's family and mine was even more of a blessing. To avoid public embarrassment, we sat with Jackson in the parents room. He ate his snacks, played with Mickey stickers and quietly made it through the service while allowing Matt and I to enjoy it too. Afterwards, he was so excited to show family members his little Mickey books and have them read to him. 

Family picture after church

Jackson loves to play with toy kitchens and drink ware. Christmas Eve at Matt's parents house he found it hilarious to bring Papa tea in the kitchen, ask him if he wanted more and then go get another cup. 

Bringing Papa his umpteenth cup of tea!  

 There was one exciting early Christmas gift to open from Nana and Papa...a Little Tikes Power Cycle! He had the cutest serious expression while "driving" it! It's powered by a button you hold down on one of the handle bars. Up until this point he has only known buttons to push and release. So when he pushed this one quickly he would jerk forward momentarily and then stop. So he'd push it again, and again, inching forward with little jolts sending his head back and gripping his hands tighter. After some practice he held it down long enough to crash into the furniture or wall however many feet in front of him. He overall loved it! Next driving lesson, steering!

Power Cycle

We spent the afternoon/evening relaxing, eating and enjoying each other's company. 

Missing Nana & Papa in this one

Christmas Day was by far my favorite memory. All Jackson asked Santa for was a Mick-me (Mickey Mouse). The kid is still completely obsessed! Santa fulfilled his magical reputation by bringing Jackson a Mickey Mouse classic book and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse figurines. 

Immediately read the Mickey book

 Jackson's reaction when opening the figurines was PRICELESS! There was pure magic in his eyes as he quickly realized what he had unwrapped and became overwhelmed with excitement. Looking back I really wished I would have video taped this moment because words do not do it justice. His arms started flapping as he tried to develop the words to request us to open the box. His breathing quickened to an almost hyperventilation state. Christmas magic. Matt and I were grinning from ear to ear too :)

As I opened the box and took out Mickey to hand to him his entire facial expression lit up! He was once again star struck by Mickey. He smiled at it and said his name. As I handed him each of the remaining characters he said their names and the proceeded to try and carry all six of them at the same time. 

The expression on his face while meeting Mickey says it all

He swooped them up (with some assistance as he literally tried to stand up without and hands as they were holding his Mick-mes secure) and brought them to the kitchen. He was wrapped up in his own imagination, putting them in and out of his boots and diaper bag for quite some time. 

My parents and brother joined us a little while later for more presents and good company. Jackson would open each gift and want to play with it. He would stay focused for a while on each toy that we let him open. At times he seemed overwhelmed but then he'd bounce back and be excited for the next gift. 

Puzzle from Uncle Bryon

The world-wind of Christmas continued with my dad's side of the family. Jackson loved my Aunt Marcia's Christmas tree, enjoyed reading her many Christmas books, and was a champ for not having a nap. 

Grandma tried to help him get shut eye

Determined to stay awake, tempted by every soft surface to put his head down.

 A little Christmas trooper Jackson was. He crashed hard on our way home from my Aunts and stayed asleep till the next morning. We are so blessed to have spent the few days with our amazing family. Jackson received so many wonderful gifts and is an even bigger Mickey fan now.

2013 was a joyous Christmas, many wonderful, magical memories.