And hello to plastic, battery-operated toys in a variety of colors.

Before we get into the cuteness, let it be said that I came down with a lovely case of the stomach flu on Wednesday, so my participation in the Christmas festivities was slim to none. Unless you count getting our money’s worth out of Netflix. Thankful for houses full of doting grandparents, uncles, aunts – and, most importantly, Bill – for allowing me to rest and recuperate.

The schedule was packed:

• Grandma and Grandpa Hauer’s house was up first.
• Christmas Eve service at Springdale. Laura and Nick came over to our house for dinner, continuing the Christmas Eve tradition of Indian food.
• Christmas morning at home.
• Christmas day at Nana and Granda Stothard’s house.

At none of these places did we get a picture of us as a family. Seriously. We did get plenty of pictures of the little man though.

Suffice to say the little yellow canvas bin that has been housing Jack’s toys for the past 7 months will no longer do. We’ve entered the land of walkers, blocks, playmats, cars, and funny little singamajigs. All of which cannot be hidden easily. Next project: playroom.