A Very Merry Christmas

Christmas morning with a 3-year old. I can't think of many things better than that. Finn is old enough to "get it" and still young enough to be happy with whatever Santa brings AND not wake up any earlier than his regularly scheduled time, which won't last forever. Finn was a little sad when he learned that Elfie had gone back to the north pole, but forgave him when he saw that Santa delivered on his promises. We had a relaxing morning opening presents, then my family came over and we opened more presents and then we walked into Georgetown for a nice Christmas lunch and then back again for Christmas naps!

You may remember from my earlier post that Finn had requested a shark hat and robot from the "mall Santa." One of the highlights of my day was watching Mark try and program said robot on Christmas eve. He would give R2D2 a command and then R2 would shake his head no and then Mark would say it louder and then R2 would beep beep and so on and so on. Had I video taped it, I would have won lots of money for sure. However, I did not, so you'll have to use your imagination.

Santa delivers a Lego table and Lego firestation

Lily meets R2 and isn't so sure

Presents

Showing off his new roller skates (and belly) from Big and Baa

He LOVES his firetruck pj's from Aunt Lindsey

True to form, Finn woke up the next day and asked if it was Christmas again. He's already counting down until next year. With Christmas behind us, we had some sightseeing to do to show my family around DC. Despite the frigid temps, we made the best of it and made stops to the capitol, the Botanical Gardens and the American History museum before calling it a day. I had to crib these pictures from Lindsey, since I didn't take any myself.

The Griswold's take the capitol

Switch! The Russian and the shark trade hats

We visited the Botanical Gardens and I was amazed at their train display. They had done an entire room with all of the most famous spots from around the world (i.e. Eiffel tower, Taj Mahal, Machu Piccu, The Great Pyramid, etc.), all made out of natural elements, with many motorized trains weaving in and out of the display. Finn was amazed. Unfortunately, we didn't get many photos because we were too busy trying to keep up with Finn, who was trying to keep up with the trains.

And that about does it. My family flew back on Tuesday. We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed sharing the holiday with them. Finn loved the extra attention and constant rotation of playmates. I just have to say again how blessed I feel. Every day of the week, but for some reason, especially at Christmas.

Christmas Eve in DC

We were thrilled to have my mom, dad and sister visit us for Christmas! Finn was especially excited to have three new playmates at his beck and call. While we missed seeing all of our other family members and friends, in was nice to be able to celebrate at home and not have to travel (a rare occasion for us).

We had a great Christmas Eve dinner at Founding Farmers followed by a chilly walk to see the White House and the national tree. It was so nice to be able to celebrate with family. And have family to occupy Finn while "Santa's elves" were getting ready for Christmas.

Who is the cheesiest?

At the base of the national tree, a train-lover's dream

For our train-obsessed friend, Wade

Finn LOVED seeing all of the lights

thank goodness he couldn't get close enough to see if any light bulbs were out

Which is brighter: lights or smiles?

I included this picture only because the story behind it is pretty darn funny. The Ellipse was packed with people that night, but I was determined to get just one family shot. So we all got in position while I got the camera ready and then chose an unsuspecting bystander to be our shutterbug. I only intended to stop traffic for a quick second while he snapped a picture. But that second turned into forever when the guy couldn't find the button to take the picture, so I had to come over AGAIN to show him (still holding up the traffic). Then, he refused to actually look through the window, insisting on holding it out in front of him. Definitely rethinking my choice of shutterbug. And just take the picture already . . .

Seriously?

Stylin'

Hmmm, wonder who he gets his sense of style from??

Officially Three!

It feels like we have been celebrating Finn's birthday all month long. Which he doesn't mind one bit! I had planned to do something special with him in the morning and then once Mark got home we would celebrate together with cupcakes and presents.

I asked Finn what he wanted to do on his birthday and he said "go see Santa at the mall where your shirt was too small." Which is funny because only a few days earlier I had to run to the mall to exchange a shirt I bought that was actually too small. Funny thing what kids remember. Anyway, walking through the parking lot, who did we see?? Santa Claus, getting out of his car. I was cracking up thinking Finn would totally pick up on the fact that Santa was driving a car and not a sled, but he didn't. Instead he said, "hey there are two Santas!" Because we had seen one at the park one time but didn't have a picture made or pay him a visit. So Santa comes over and visits with Finn in the parking garage and Finn forgave Santa for being so scary last year and decided they could be friends from this day forward.

So, Finn wanted an official visit with the mall Santa so he could have his picture made and sit in the big chair, which is much better than seeing Santa standing next to dirty cars in a garage! So that's what we did, followed by a haircut, a turn in the massage chair, a trip around the merry-go-round, new sneakers and lunch at McDonald's. Not bad, considering we did all that before noon!

We completed the day with cupcakes (icing only for Finn) and presents. Not too shabby for our big 3-year old!

Telling Santa he wants a shark hat and a robot

Posing for his "official" visit

Enjoying a massage, post haircut

His new, green sneakers. Yes, I realize that they are BRIGHT KELLY GREEN and don't go with anything in his closet. But he picked them out and wouldn't even consider another pair, despite much bribing on my part. Besides, it was his birthday! I couldn't force him to buy boring brown shoes on his birthday, when these are obviously so much cooler

Singing happy birthday (for the third time, if you are keeping count)

Hmmm, icing!

Me and my 2-year old birthday boy (2009)

Me and my 3-year old birthday boy (2010)

ICE, ICE, Baby

In order to keep the Christmas spirit going, we decided to cram as much holiday fun as possible into the month of December. So, we decided to visit the National Harbor to see the Dr. Suess ICE exhibit. Because it hasn't been cold enough here (note the SARCASM) we decided it would be fun to go tour an exhibit where the temperature is a balmy 9 degrees! We met up with our friends Samantha, Barrett, Alisha, Amy and Tommy and had an eventful and fun day, capped off by a train ride and lunch.

The ICE exhibit was pretty cool (no pun intended). It was all hand carved out of many tons of ice. Although I didn't really get a chance to appreciate it because I was trying to keep up with Finn. They give you standard issue parkas to wear which helped keep you warm; however, everyone looked the exact same, so it was occasionally panic-inducing trying to locate your child when he is dressed just like every other kid there! Finn and Sam tried out the ice slide and Finn even stuck his tongue to one of the blocks of ice, which thankfully didn't stick.

Waiting in line for the train

Finn and baby Tommy

Christmas tree made out of marshmallow peeps

Our fearsome foursome. Thankfully, only two can talk . . .

Tommy, Barrett, Sam, Finn

Getting bundled up

Sam decided the blue parka didn't match her PINK shoes

All carved out of ice (it kind of reminded me of Las Vegas!)

Nativity scene carved out of ice

Riding the train again

Finn's Third Birthday Party

On the Saturday before Christmas we had a small birthday party for our BIG three-year old! Because it's winter and we live in the city, we rented the rec room at a local community center and invited our nearest and dearest to help us celebrate the birthday boy. Finn wanted a fire truck themed party . . . what a surprise! I had hoped to have a fire truck and a few firemen make a surprise appearance but there must have been lots of fires to put out because they were a no show. But, we had the next best thing . . . a bounce castle and slide. I think the kids had lots of fun running around and eating lots of sugar and hopefully the adults did as well. I know Finn loved having his friends help him celebrate his birthday. Here are a few pictures from the big day.

The big birthday boy (in full on MINE mode)

The tot tables

The Loatman family: Kate, Jack, John and baby Henry (5 weeks)

Darren

Evan

And we all fall down

Moms know how to party too (Elizabeth, Summer & Kelly)

At one point, all of the dads were in the jump castle too

He LOVED hearing everyone sing Happy Birthday

Make a wish . . .

Barrett, Alisha, Amy & Tommy

Can you say "sugar high?"

Jack and his junior fireman

Cheesing for the camera

Finn and Sam mugging for the camera