Christmas time

 Before we get too much into our busy December, we've got a video of Reid's new trick, crawling up the stairs.  We had no idea he could do this until his birthday party when out of nowhere, he quickly went up 3 stairs before anyone could get to him.  So we watched him do it a couple of times and it looked like he'd been doing it for weeks. 

We started off our marathon month of December with a Holiday Party at the boys' school.  It was cool because each classroom had their own program that included the kids singing/dancing, treats, and a visit from Santa.  Since the infant room had no official program, we started off there and luckily it was the first stop for Santa!  Each of the boys hopped up into Santa's lap without concern.  Grant promptly asked for "a kitty" and "a candy cane".  Later in the evening when he told a classmate's mom that he wanted a kitty, she got out her iPad to show him Issac's kitty, and immediately Grant added an "iPad" to his wishlist.  (Yeah right, kid...)

The boys with Santa

Here's a video of Grant's class performing at the Holiday Party.  We thought Grant did a great job and were impressed with his rhythm.  But you have to watch this video again if you missed out on Grant's good buddy Mason (boy in red pants) getting his groove on half way through.  We have to admit that we were glad to not be his parents...

Next up was a trip to the Denver Zoo Lights for a KU alumni event about halfway through the month.  Zoo Lights by itself is pretty cool; its amazing to see how many lights they have around the entire zoo.  It was an even better event though with the alumni group because there was a private room with food and hot chocolate and a live animal demonstration.

One of the animals Grant got to pet was a baby alligator

Then after weeks of anticipation, it was finally time for the main event.  On Christmas morning, Shannon and I got up extra early to get ready and finish packing for our trip back to Oklahoma and Kansas.  The boys got up at their normal time and Grant was excited that Santa brought him presents instead of a lump of coal.  

Well done Santa

"Wow! A firehouse!"

Checking everything out

Stocking time!

"Up, up, and away!"

"Look I'm Woody!"

"To infinity and beyond!"

So after opening presents and eating breakfast, we loaded up the car and began our trek to Oklahoma.  Even though it had snowed overnight, the roads weren't too bad and we arrived late Christmas night with little trouble. The following day we celebrated Christmas with Shannon's family.  The boys got tons more presents and the adults participated in a fun White Elephant type gift exchange.  Also while we were there, Shannon got to meet up with some of her high school friends for dinner.  Like always, we stuffed ourselves with good food and laughed a lot. 

Grant showing Mimi what Aunt Valerie and Uncle Jeremy got him.

Aunt Val checking out a present while getting Reid snuggles

Uncle Jeremy showing Grant the proper way to scratch off a stocking stuffer

Gigi and Grant admiring their window art

"Look at those cool lights, Papa!"

On Friday, we headed to Kansas to visit my family.  It was a whirlwind trip as we tried to see as many people as possible.  While headed north, we stopped to see my Grandma in Fort Scott, KS.  Then it was off to Topeka to see my Uncle Bob and Aunt Max.  Finally, we met my parents and siblings for dinner (and this was just the first day!).  On Saturday, we visited with some of my aunts, uncles, and cousins at my parents' house while Grant and Reid played with their cousins.  That night we took Grant to his first KU basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse (hearing the Rock Chalk chant in person had him in awe), and the following day met up with the Nichols' and Leaches for brunch.

Grant and Reid reading with Great Grandma

The boys hanging out with cousin Jacob at Uncle Bob's place

Grant playing 'UNO Moo' with Jordan and cousins Jacob and Julia

Grant and Jacob showing off their new Jayhawk gear!

Lauren, Jacob, and Julia opening presents

Grant with Big Jay at his first KU game!

The drive back to Colorado was a little bit slippery due to snow and took us longer than we'd hoped, but thanks to the portable DVD player in the backseat with Grant, we made it home without going insane.  We were a little surprised when we got home to find out that we had had visitors while we were away, but fortunately it was just "good guys".  Apparently the local fire department was called out twice by our neighbors because we had a smoke detector going off inside the house.  The second time that they came, they found a way into our house and removed the smoke detector in order to stop the alarm.