It's A Wonderful Life

We finally were able to celebrate Christmas with my parents on Sunday. Unfortunately my sisters and their families weren't able to be there. We miss you guys!

Griffin raked in again. He got more toys, books, clothes, money, etc. My question is what is up with the toys and all the difficult packaging? Every toy we opened this holiday took at least 10 minutes to get out of the packaging and required scissors, a knife or teeth. Jeesh! The kid would open a present, be totally jacked about it, but since it took 10 minutes (that's 10 years in kid time) to get it out of the box, he would grow bored and move on to other presents.

Exibit A: See above--Jason is trying (struggling) to get the mooing cow bowling ball out of the box. At least the milk bottles were easy to get out. By the way, thanks Aunt Beth & Uncle Jerri!! When we ask Griffin "what does a cow say?" he replies MMMMMMMMMM!! He can't quite say MOOOOO yet. We're still working on it!

Another example of the stupid packaging below---my dad is working as fast as he can to get the tractor out of the box. Surprisingly, Griffin is patiently waiting.

Ahhh, this didn't require any hard labor---clothes are wonderful! They don't make noise, they don't require batteries, they don't have any difficult packaging--and they can be fun!!

Cousin Laura gave Griffin a Cars book that makes lots of fun sounds. Griffin loves anything that makes noise. Jason & I love anything that doesn't make noise!

Griffin actually sat still for a good picture with Grandma & Grandpa E.
He's playing with a car he got from cousins Quinton & Landon.

.........still playing with the cars

Grandpa E. & Griff are watching some football. Grandpa is holding candy that came out of our stockings. The game of the day was 'name the candy'. Griffin would ask what each candy was and then take it to Grandpa.

Griffin:"Wus thaaa"
Grandpa: "M&Ms"
Griffin: "Wus thaaa"

Grandpa: "A sucker"

This went on and on. Jason & I got bored with the game, but Grandma & Grandpa loved it.

Another fun game--chase me up the stairs!

Griffin is getting ready to say goodbye to Grandpa...he even gave Grandpa a kiss!

My mom got a picture of Griff, Jason & I. Neither one of our cameras were cooperating, so this is the best picture we got.

We were so happy to see my parents--but very sad to see them go. Thanks for all the great stuff Mom & Dad--my favorite gift was the measuring cups (NOT FOR GRIFFIN TO PLAY WITH) and the pretty sweater (very impressed Mom & Dad). Jason's favorite gift was the Hawkeye shirt. I'm sure he'll be sporting it on Thursday---GO HAWKS. I think that Griffin's favorite present was the tractor---Griff has started his collection, just like Grandpa E.

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!