Three Legged Dog: Home for Christmas

This Christmas was one to remember. It was our first Christmas in Pinedale, AND we spent it in our new (to us) house! We moved in on December 22nd. Despite living among boxes galore, an unfinished floor, and a half-lit, undecorated tree, we had a very cozy holiday and loved every minute of it. It's good to be home. :)

Ready to open gifts, Christmas morning

As you can see, we did have a tree this year. We have Andrea to thank for that. We probably wouldn't have taken the time to get one during the move--as it was, we never actually got around to decorating this one--but we were glad to accept a hand-me-down. :) Andrea cut this great tree from our local national forest and had it in her home for about a week before leaving to travel. She offered it to us when she left. Since she lives only a couple of blocks away, it was an easy transfer. In the end, I'm really glad we had a tree, even if it didn't reach its full potential.

Christmas was also memorable this year because it was so much more fun to share with Isaac than last year. For one thing, although he doesn't understand the concept of gifts, he was way better at opening them. Last year, he still thought you're supposed to eat them.

last year

Also, the extent of Isaac's interactions with gifts last year was this:

Christmas Play 2011 from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

It's hard to believe how much he can change in a year. This year, it was full on play. The basketball goal from Uncle Josh, Aunt Amy, and cousins is a huge hit!

Anxiously awaiting completed assembly

Slam dunk!

A lot of personality shines through this year also.

We actually had several rounds of gift opening to spread out the excitement. Here we go again!

The Uncles are looking out for Isaac's athletic abilities. Uncle MIke and Aunt Emily gave him a tee ball set.

Ready for our Christmas day outing

On Christmas day, we drove out to Eric and Juli's place. They live 45 minutes from town on the edge of the Wyoming Range and the Bridger-Teton Forest. Their place is beautiful!! There was about 3 feet of snow and gorgeous 360 mountain views. Matt and Eric got in a good ski, while the ladies and Isaac stayed warm inside by the fire. Then we had a lovely dinner together.

Unfortunately, while there, Isaac had a HUGE blowout, as in the worst he's ever had. I guess I've been fortunate as a mom because up to this point, I had never seen anything like it. In fact, I was sort of in shock trying to figure out how to deal with it while Juli sprung into action getting wash cloths, towels, and filling the kitchen sink for a warm baby bath. Maybe her mother instincts are a little more honed than mine. :) I did not have a change of clothes for Isaac (guess I'm not winning any mom-of-the-year awards just yet), so for the rest of the evening, he donned a lovely Christmas dress.