Christmas Gifts

We had a lovely little Christmas morning, just the three of us. I had a lot of fun shopping for Luke this year. It was much more difficult than I had imagined to keep myself in check. Luke's personality is just popping out these days and he is much more able to express his preferences (a little too able, sometimes!). That just makes it more fun. Although I have changed the way I look at toys, even just since Christmas, I enjoyed choosing things I thought would bring a smile to our son's face.


Unwrapping the first un-stocking gift. :)



Working on a colouring book.


Ooooohhh. It's Barney. Bought by the mother who swore she wouldn't let the purple guy in the house when she had kids... But he likes it and I endure it for him.


Another big hit? A dog calendar from the dollar store.


He and Andrew sat and looked at all the "wuh wuhs" for quite a while.

This was a magnadoodle and I was pretty excited about this one. It was one of the things I picked out a while back and was happy to see him enjoy it. Although it did take him a while to get past the "Tommy!" wrapping paper.


Yeah, Mr. Potato Head Silly Suitcase. :) He had a lot of fun requesting outfit changes on "Head." What a fun kid!

Playing With The Stocking Stuff Part Two

Luke was pretty happy to receive play doh for Christmas, and he didn't even know what it was! I foresee some good times in our future.



Just enjoying squishing it around.


In and out, in and out... I'm glad we only got out one colour!


He enjoyed flattening it out by hitting it with his hand. He was so cute trying to copy whatever we did.

This was the second attempt at eating the play doh. But I LOVE the cute expression on his little face!

Playing with the Stocking Stuff Part One

We got him a cute set of car keys because he loves pretending to get keys and go to work. He was TOO excited about them. Unfortunately, they have already gone missing. I have looked everywhere, or at least it feels like it! I hope they turn up soon.


The boys getting ready to play with Luke's new matchbox cars.


Luke telling Andrew what he's supposed to do.


Two boys, playing happily together. :)

After Stockings

This is in contrast with our Christmas Eve photo! Andrew and I did stockings for each other, too. I just didn't post pictures of that.

Christmas Stocking!

Our little one woke on Christmas morning just as cheerful as always. After a diaper and clothing change (one day maybe he'll be able to stay in his pajamas) he came running out to see the world.

He ran around the corner like he knew there was something exciting going on. I wonder how much he picks up from Andrew and I?



He was pretty impressed with his glasses... too bad they only survived about ten hours till someone stepped on them. :(


He did, however insist on wearing his glasses on his head for the next few presents. What a "cool dude."

A lovely photo taken with amazing skill by the boy's dad.


He so loved the "buddles!" Of course, they started out as being "bunnles" and moved on from there!



I love this picture of him reaching into his stocking! He's such a sweetie.


Daddy helping with some of the trickier wrapped items.


"Is there anything else in here?"

Lukey was pretty excited about the orange and potato in the toe of his stocking. Daddy then explained to him why we put those items there. I tried to video the explanation, but it didn't turn out so hot. But it still made me tear up. We are so blessed!

Christmas Eve

Holiday Baking!

So we had a baking evening. Luke enjoyed running back and forth between us and eventually setting up shop by standing on a chair next to where I was working. It had been far to long since I made chocolate chip cookies from scratch. They are delicious. Yum. Plus, it's lotsa fun with a stand mixer. Andrew worked on fudge while I made the cookies and both turned out rather yummy.


Here is the man himself stirring like crazy!


And here his little helper thinks he needs a bit more vanilla.

Luke, making sure he has the right fit with his apron, just like Mumma.


"Hey guys, check it out! This thing has a pocket!"

Here's Luke, giving me advice on what I'm doing wrong.

He kept busy measuring things for a while and let me finish putting the dough together.



Then he helped to stir in the chocolate chips! How very precious he was, if a little too helpful at times!

Quick taste to check for salmonella before mom or dad could stop him. Yum.

Overall, I'd say it was a success! And I just enjoyed a few cookies and they're still good! I love freshly baked cookies. Although I did just set off the smoke detector while making them. Apparently the wife saver I made earlier bubbled over. Oops!

Christmas Bubbles

Smith Family Christmas

We had our Smith Family Christmas on the tenth of January this year. I love having Christmas after Christmas. It gives so much more time to relax (and get those after Christmas sales on wrapping paper! We're so ready for next year) and is just nice. This year mKhulu and nGogo had Lukey's name for Christmas and they got him this annoying wonderful little toy piano. Really, he loves it. He thinks it's very funny to play it with a piece of tupperware. Tonight he played the opening notes of "Oh Canada" much to his daddy's delight. And Daddy and Mommy figured out how to play the theme to BlackAdder Goes Forth which was also pretty awesome. Oh yeah, Christmas. It was a fun day, for sure. The boys all got to play hockey which Andrew loved. It was nice to see my brothers (and cousin) and my husband goofing off together. I'm shocked to see that I don't think I have any pictures of that event. :( It was one of the few times we all manage to get together. Here is Luke with his gift.






I love this kid!