A Very Happy Christmas

We had Christmas on our own this year, which turned out to be really nice. It was especially fun because Benjamin is old enough now to appreciate it. We're beginning to establish our own traditions like ham steaks and Chinese food. It's a work in progress.

Benjamin had full confidence that it was going to snow on Christmas, but I had a hard time believing it would. It was pouring rain all week, but sure enough, it cooled down by Christmas morning, and we were delighted to see a light dusting that even courteously left the roads clear.

We tried to get Benjamin into the spirit of giving this year by passing on some of his toys to Peter. He was a bit reluctant at first, but was soon excited to give him his Noah's Ark. It was sweet.
But Peter's favorite toy was Elmo. He even shares his pacifiers with him.

Aunt Katie sure scored this year with Benjamin's present. He loves "playing" his little violin. The strings play a note each time the bow touches them, and we soon discovered that notes can be held indefinitely. It's programmed to play several songs, but for some reason it only plays one song for him...over and over and over.

Benjamin was stoked to find a fireman costume for his monkey in his stocking! Now they can fight fires together.
And now they go to sleep together in their matching jammies. He's in heaven.

And the "big" one this year was a little kitchen for them to share. They love it!