Christmas with the McAnears

Since my sister and her family were snow skiing over Christmas, today was the first opportunity for us to get together to exchange gifts. Camden was thrilled to see his cousins so much that he didn't realize he was going to get more presents. When he did finally open his gifts, he was excited about his garage for his hot wheels as well as the balls he received. He has so many different balls, but is ALWAYS thrilled to get more - smart of my sister to even think of that! Since Casen does not need to much, he got money to put in his savings account.


Camden passing out gifts



Uncle Shawn helping Casen open his gift

Cookie Time

Since Casen has been doing such a wonderful job eating as well as having great hand-eye coordination, I decided today we would try a cookie. He did an excellent job eating his Gerber Arrowroot cookie, and he seemed to really like it!

Also, I don't think I mentioned it, but earlier in the week we tried milk based formula which he tolerated perfectly well!!! I am so grateful that his intolerance is gone - makes things much easier!

Christmas 2012

Christmas is always a special time but having little ones around really makes it that much better. Camden has been so excited for Santa to come and visit and bring him a blue drum and blue guitar. The first thing we had to do to prepare for Santa's arrival was to out reindeer food that he made at school.

The boys then got in their pajamas and headed to bed, excited about what Christmas day would hold. They slept until a little after 7:00 am, when I heard them on their monitors both chatting away in their rooms. Shane and I got up, got the video camera as well as regular camera ready and went and got the boys out of their beds. When they got downstairs, this is what they found.

Camden's blue guitar and blue drum set

Something exciting for Casen

I must say, I felt horrible that Casen did not have much from Santa, but he really did not ask for much at all! I am certain next year will be different!!

Camden was so excited about his blue drum set

Casen liked his new basketball goal

Casen had no problem unwrapping his gifts

The big cheese - so big his eyes look closed!

Casen's gift  he made at school for Shane and me

Camden's gift he made at school for Shane and me

Sometime after the boys took their naps, Grandpa and Grandma Key arrived to spend the rest of Christmas day with our family. Once again, more gifts to open, which was right up the boys' alley!

Grandpa Key talking to Casen

Love that face!

Grandma Key helping Casen open a gift



Once again, Camden thrilled to be opening presents.



Camden excited about his new bike.

 

Camden playing his new guitar

Our family



Christmas Pictures

My great friend Lorrie took pictures of our family for our Christmas card this year. While it is harder than ever to get four people to all look at the camera and smile simultaneously, (especially two of those people being less than the age of three), I think the pictures turned out pretty good!

Merry Christmas to all from The Hood Family!

Christmas with the Hoods

Shane's parents came to our house yesterday to celebrate Christmas with our family. While we were awaiting their arrival, Camden was playing with his Legos and built a train for his Lego man and Woody, which I was so very proud of his creativity. He posed nicely with his train for me to take a picture.

I then took a close up of his train.

After taking that picture, Camden noticed his Lego guy was not looking at the camera, so he turned his Lego guy's head and requested that I take another picture. Too cute!!

Unfortunately Nana was sick, but we were still glad they decided to come and spend some time with the boys. The boys were thrilled with their gifts and were glad to get their Christmas started.

Casen with his new monkey

Casen's new computer

Camden with his new train and Caillou

He loves his new Caillou

Camden with Connor and Nana

 

Christmas Festivities at School

This week at the boy's school they had several holiday festivities. On Monday Santa came and visited their school. Yes, that would be three Santas in three days, but the more pictures, the better!

Casen loves Santa.

Santa reading to Camden's class

Santa and Camden

Today, they had their holiday pajama party and book exchange. Camden loved being able to wear his pajamas to school.

Pictures in their pajamas before heading to school.

Love those smiles!

Camden posing with the book he received
during the book exchange.

Holiday lunch!

Christmas at The River

We have been attending 'River of Praise Church' for quite sometime now and today was their Christmas celebration - 'Christmas at the River'. They had a live nativity, along with a donkey, goats, chickens and a camel which you could ride. Santa was also there in a beautiful large sleigh as well as two of his reindeer. There was also a train ride for the kiddos as well as a hayride.


Santa's reindeer

Camden riding in the train

Camden was not so sure about the goat

Camden requested to take another picture
with Santa - check out that smile!

Camden on a camel ride.