Christmas Gathering...

The last of the Christmas Gatherings for the 2008 Season was upon us...we were getting together with Dan's family on Saturday to exchange gifts for the kids and spend time with each other. We all gathered at Steve & Carolyn's house, Dan's parents were up from NJ and Matt & Michael came over. Unfortunately Laura had to work but she was missed...

Alexander had a ball playing with the boys, especially going up & down the stairs. He did very well and getting the hang of it. He was, however, paranoid of their cat. It was a love/hate relationship. As long as the cat sat in one spot, he wanted to pet her and scream with excitement at her. But if she got up and walked around, he would freak out! I think it's because he got freaked by Toby the dog at Christmas (both animals are mostly black fur, so they're mysterious).

Folks would ask him where was Michael and he would put up his hands and say "don't know" but then start to say "Miiichael" and look around for him. It was very cute. He did excellent at dinner eating all of his pasta and still wanting more. He had some meatballs and even a few bites of garlic bread. Then it was time for presents!

He was so excited! Every time he got a present, he would shake with excitment. I asked him to give the boys their gifts and he walked right over and gave them the presents and then came back and had this look on his face like "okay, so where are mine".

Watching him open them was priceless as he got mainly trucks & Elmo gifts. He got so excited with the Elmo doll/book from Uncle Matt & Aunt Laura he just screamed and screamed. Every gift he opened he would shriek with glee, it's moments like that where you know that's what Christmas is about. After he was done opening presents, I told him to go give everyone a hug and say Thank You. It was classic - he went to every person and gave them hugs & kisses!

We had a great time visiting with everyone and sharing the last of our Christmas celebrations...and to top it all off, Alexander had a ball playing with his cousins and opening presents!