Ho! Ho! Ho! (Part II)

Our Christmas celebration continued on Christmas day. Harrison was very excited to see that there was stuff in the stockings. He was even more excited to pull all the stuff out!

Even though Uncle Matt, Auntie Callie, and Cousin Noland couldn't be here for Christmas, they sent Harrison a wagon full on Legos! He doesn't really get what the Legos are for quite yet...he just assumes they are for loading , unloading and pulling in the wagon.By day two of presents, Harrison was starting to understand the whole unwrapping business. Uncle Andy got him a "tuck". He really loves it but I think the batteries may fall out and we won't be able to find new ones...
The Annual "Young Family Christmas Brunch" was held at our house this year. It was a bit of a passing of the torch. My cousin Jenny and I scrambled to get the kids set, last minute preparation and brunch on the table while our moms relaxed and enjoyed a peaceful morning. After 30+ years I guess we are due to take it on.

Harrison LOVED playing with his cousins Anna and Natalie. He liked showing them his new climbing castle that Grandma and Grandpa got him.
While the kids played, the adults did our traditional English Christmas Crackers which includes paper hats. Yes, we actually wear the hats most of the morning! (Side note....8 year old Anna took this picture and it is probably the best group shot we have had in a long time!)

Christmas Day wrapped up at Grandma Grace's house. Harrison was excited to show her his new gifts.

Harrison got a "Very Hungry Caterpillar" from Auntie DeDe...one of his favorite books!
It was an exhausting couple of days but turned out to be a great Christmas. We certainly missed Uncle Matt, Callie, and Noland but we were excited to be able to talk to them on Christmas. (Yes, even Uncle Matt was able to call from Iraq!)

Ho! Ho! Ho! (Part 1)

Coming into Christmas Eve, we were a little nervous that we would have to alter our plans due to a massive snow storm hitting Minnesota. Luckily, everyone arrived safe and sound and we had a fantastic holiday! We had two full day of festivities so I'll try to just keep it to the highlights but this could quite possibly be the longest posting ever...or maybe I will break it up into a couple postings.

Christmas Eve Morning....It was just our little nuclear family for Christmas Eve morning. The snow had started the night before so it was the perfect backdrop for Christmas. Harrison opened his gift from us (a Magna-Doodle).

The three of us then went to the 8th floor Macy's in downtown Minneapolis to see the "Day in the life of an Elf" display. Harrison loved it! He was so excited he couldn't stop pointing at everything!

He wanted to make sure his new little friend saw that the trees could talk...Christmas Eve night we had the Lichty Christmas Extravaganza...food, good cheer and presents were in abundance!Harrison LOVES the clown on a stick that Grandma and Grandpa got in Germany. It was worth the time Grandma (and Grandpa) spent searching for it on their trip. His new "choo choo" was also a big hit!He was happy to model his new rain hat from Auntie Suzanne (he also got the matching jacket!).As if Harrison didn't have enough gifts to open, he thought he would help Auntie Suzanne too (after he ate his cracker, of course)!

Toddler Class

We take a class through community ed every Saturday morning right now. It is a great chance for Harrison to play and us to talk to other parents about the highs and lows of having a toddler. We have been with the same group for a while so it is fun to see all the kids grow. H's best bud Thomas is in the class too!

Holiday Festivities!

Wow! What a weekend! Friday night started out with Harrison's daycare Christmas party. Barb really goes all out....great food and beverages (adult and child kind) followed by a visit from Santa himself! Unfortunately, it was approaching bed time for H and he hasn't been feeling 100% so by the time we got to Santa, Harrison was in full meltdown mode. He walked over to Santa even though he was crying but once over to Santa, the meltdown went into overdrive....

Luckily, we have a food motivated child so when Santa took out the candy cane, Harrison perked up a bit...Unfortunately, the puff eyes need more than a candy cane to make them go away.
On Saturday, the extended Lichty clan was in Minneapolis for the "Lichty Christmas". A great time was had by all! Harrison had fun entertaining his Great Aunt and Uncles and his cousins.

He got a fun book from Uncle Pat and Aunt Carla. He tried to get a dice game going with the guys.

But I don't think he got any takers for his bet.

We are tired today. H was actually was in bed sleeping before 7:00 but it was worth it! It was a great start to I am sure will prove to be a wonderful week of holiday festivities!

Great Clips!

Our shaggy little boy needed haircut number two. The people at the kids hair place asked us if it was his first haircut since we were taking pictures...we said "no, he is just an only child". Once again, he grabbed his trucks and didn't let go.

He was a little scared when she started up the clippers...

But he soon calmed down and just let the girl cut...and cut...and cut. (A little too much in my opinion but Matt really likes it.)

Here is him with his new do and his lawn mower.

H's Peeps!

Harrison had a weekend full on friends!

Friday night was another fun time with Thomas. The boys had fun pushing each other around...literally...in H's little cart. I seriously look at this picture and laugh because the boys were so funny pushing each other. (Please note that all necessary safety measure were in place during this stunt.) I need to get Thomas' mom Megan credit once again for the photo. She always gets better ones than I do.

On Saturday, our old neighbor Ellen came over to help watch Harrison so I could get a couple things done around the house. Man, do I miss having her right next door!Saturday evening, Harrison's buddies Lincoln and Grayson Hatlestad came over for take-out, movies, and games. (They brought their parents along to play with us!)
Last week, we met H's newest friend...Santa! He is no fool, he walked right over to him and had no issue sitting on his lap. I am a little disappointed Santa was not in his traditional outfit (I mean, I didn't really realize that Santa sometimes wore sweatpants) none the less, we got some pictures without any tears so it was a successful visit.

Santa is watching...

We put our tree up this weekend and it has become the subject of Harrison's curiosity. We thought the gate around the tree would help keep our decorations safe...But it only took an hour before our first casualty happened...RIP Mrs. Clause...we may have to put up another layer of defense to keep everyone else safe!

In other news, Harrison is full of new tricks. He really likes to show his tounge..And his teeth...

He is also hoping that Tiger's accident will keep him off the tour so that he can join!

Gobble, Gobble!

Harrison's Thanksgiving had all the necessary elements...lots of food, family, and football. He especially liked the sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

He loved having both sets of Grandparents, his Uncle Andy, Aunt Suzanna, Eric, Great Grandma Grace, and the Westerbergs all in one place! Needless to say, he did not lack for attention all day!
Auntie DeDe's homemade pumpkin pie was the biggest hit! Hopefully the triptafan will kick in tonight and he'll sleep extra late tomorrow morning!