Christmas 2009

I never thought Christmas could be so much fun without having a ton of presents to open for myself, but it turns out that watching Nathan open presents is even better. I never in a million years would have thought I would feel that way.

I decided to give Kathryn an up-do for her first Christmas. She's going to look back at her first Christmas pictures and wonder what was wrong with her mother.He took forever opening presents at first.
He had Great Grandma Gerken's technique at first, and opened them very carefully and very slowly.
He started getting the hang of it by about the third present.

He got so excited over everything. I actually think this picture was taken as he watched me open a pair of socks. They were actually some really good socks, though.

McDonald's cashier in training. This is just in case his dreams of becoming a pilot or a professional basketball player don't quite pan out.

Let me explain his outfit. His Christmas pajamas got split up in two loads of laundry. I meant to get his top out of the dryer before we opened presents, but I forgot. I remembered half way through opening presents, but figured what's the use at that point. And just ignore his Halloween socks with the skull and crossbones on them. They're really easy to get on his feet so he wears them all the time.
Kathryn slept through most of her first Christmas.

Paw-Paw and Lady got Nathan a CAT book just like the DOG book that he got from his cousins, Aly and Emily, a year and a half ago... that I think I've read every day since they gave it to him.
This was my Christmas present this year. Well, until I go to Aunt Ruth's jewelry store anyways.
Daddy and Nathan got some gum balls for Christmas. Nathan already had them taken away, though because he swallowed two pieces.
His very own workshop with even more power tools.
Steve started to put it together.
Then it got too complicated, so Nathan took over.
There it is, Nathan's new workshop.
Nathan went up to Baby Sister and said, "Hey Baby Sister, look what I got!"
This truck sings Funky Town and Nathan runs all over the house jamming to it.
He makes Kathryn dance to it also. She loves it. (Don't you just love her hairstyle!?!)
Opening his gift from Oma and Opa. He got some books with matching character stuffed animals.
Kathryn loved her presents from Oma and Opa, as well.
Good thing we're moving into a bigger house next summer. Until then, I'm going to have to get creative with stashing toys around the house.
Kathryn should feel privileged that her daddy is around for her first Christmas. This is Nathan's third Christmas, but the first one that Steve has been around for. I guess that's military life.
Doesn't this chair look comfy?
Nathan loves his new chair.
This picture makes these chairs my favorite gifts.
As much as I love being in Georgia, I have to say I enjoyed spending Christmas at home this year. Hopefully, Nathan and Kathryn enjoyed their Christmas as much as I used to enjoy mine when I was a kid. Merry Christmas everyone!