After Christmas

Nanny and Grandad left today, so it felt like Christmas was officially over. Peter got his big boy bed today, minus the bed frame, (long story) and fell asleep on the couch with Jeff this evening. Peter did get to catch a glimpse of the trains beneath the tree since all the presents were unwrapped. Let's hope Peter sleeps through the night with the neighbor playing his drum set.

Watkins Park Festival of Lights

We drove to our favorite springtime park to see the wonderful light display. And it still rates as one of our favorite year round parks now. Peter sat in the back seat waving to almost every display.

Merry Christmas

In his nest with Buddy Bert

In my head I had it all planned out, Peter would wake up, see presents, the run upstairs to wake Jeff by saying "wake up Daddy, presents, Santa came, wake up!". Sadly, Peter was sick, he did not wake up without our prodding, and when my mother brought him down stairs, he lifted his little sad head towards the try and said weakly, "...presents". He then put his head back on my mom's shoulder. I had to go upstairs and wake Jeff. His excitement did grow after opening his stocking, and he helped the rest of us open gifts. By 11 o'clock he had enough and wanted to play with all his toys. Peter was certainly spoiled by Santa and our family and friends, he got drums and games, tools and clothes and cars. His favorite part of Christmas was sitting in the garbage bag or his "nest" while he opened his presents. We want to thank everyone for the wonderful Christmas presents, Peter is very fortunate, and we are also.

Christmas Eve

Getting ready for Santa to arrive was fun. Peter hung his stocking on the mantle with the help of Nanny, and he wrote a letter to the man in the big red suit. He had a difficult time understanding that cookies and carrots were meant for Santa and Rudolph. He was nestled all snug in his bed by 8:15 on Christmas Eve.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Peter was so anxious to wish Jeff a Happy Birthday, he called him on the phone and ran up to him as soon as he got home from work. Due to the amount of food we will have for Christmas, Peter and I bought slices of cake from the store. Peter wanted three candles on each slice. We sang happy birthday and Peter gave Jeff his birthday card. Peter helped blow out the candles.

Hershey Park

Well, the price was right, but it was a bit over-rated. Jeff, Peter, and I travelled to Hershey Park. It wasn't very far considering how long we spend in the car to visit most people, two and a half hours. The park was only $19 for Jeff and I to get in and you couldn't beat that. We packed our lunches, and were on a mission to see Santa and his reindeer. Let me preface this by saying we initially were heading to a Reindeer farm in Maryland, but found out they were closed due to the mud and dreary weather, so we made a diversion. We found out that many of the rides were operating. Peter enjoyed the carousel, this time with daddy, and a fire truck and some other cute rides. He did sit in a sleigh which resembled Santa's and he met Rudolph. The highlight was the visit with Santa, although afraid, he quickly made friends with the man in the big red suit after he was offered a lollipop. He asked Santa for a skateboard. I think considering the magnitude the Park has on the Harrisburg/Hershey area we were disappointed at the landscaping and holiday trimmings. We will more than likely visit again, just on a much warmer day.

National Harbor and Gaylord Conference Center

This evening we went to the New National Harbor. They had a musical Christmas tree and an outdoor market area with crafts and some food. The highlight was the Gaylord Convention Center, the atrium sparkled with water displays and it even snowed inside, which Peter was the first to point out. It was a bit crowded, but at least we were sheltered from the cold of the water front. Peter didn't want to go home.

Christmas Tree Decorating

Today we put up our tree. Peter helped with the construction of the artificial tree and also helped with the lights. However by the time we put the cranberry and popcorn garland on and the ornaments, Peter was in desperate need of a nap. Cousin Lauren came over to help out and of course the "Riganettes" (aka Phil Spector and the Ronettes) as Peter refers to them, were playing all day long.

Canadian Embassy with Dad

I had a class on Saturday so Jeff went into DC with Peter. There was a special event at the Canadian Embassy. Peter saw many statues in DC, went skating at the the Sculpture Garden and saw airplanes at Regan National Airport. The big day was inside the embassy where he saw many Canadian Hockey Jerseys.

Owen's Birthday

We drove up to Latrobe, PA to celebrate baby Owen's first Penn State tail-gate football party. Peter had fun open the gifts with Owen. He was well rested for the party sine he slept on the drive up. It was a nice visit and makes us really want to move back to PA. We miss Julie and Jon.

Day out with Dad

I had to go to work today, it is Veteran's Day, a federal holiday. Jeff didn't have work, so Peter stayed home with Jeff. It was in the works to go ice skating. Jeff tried this once before, and the cost was outrageous. Even though the cost was still outrageous, Jeff and Peter went skating. Jeff told me he was so very proud. Peter fell, but got right back up. After twenty minutes he was done, Jeff put him in the car and guess what? Peter wanted to go skating again. I think we have a future NHL player!

Time Change

Time change and a big Friday night trick or treating makes for a very tired and cranky child. This is where he chose to rest today.

Saturday Breakfast

I don't think this needs a paragraph to explain how much Peter likes jam.