Christmas Roadtrip 2007

Christmas was really special this year. For one thing, this was the first year where Tyler really started to understand and get a little of the traditions associated with the holiday. In fact, it was a year for a lot of "firsts". It was his first year to unwrap presents by himself. His first year to somewhat enjoy (or at least not cry) seeing Santa. And it was his first year to overall leave the tree and decorations alone.

We started off the celebrations with a trip to my sisters house on Saturday for dinner and unwrapping gifts with her family, my mom, and grandmother. It was so fun to watch all the kids unwrap- they are at the age where everything is such a big deal and are so proud of their new toys.

Sunday was spent getting presents put away, getting the house organized for the baby (I think Tommy and I are both going through a nesting phase), and packing to get ready for our trip to Nashville on Monday.

The next morning we hit the road and headed for Tommy's parents house- Tyler slept on the way over, so he was raring to go when we pulled in the driveway. The weekend was spent playing ball, visiting the playground, and eating (I am afraid to get on the scale at my doctor's appointment tomorrow). Monday night we opened presents. One of Tyler's favorites was the jumbo Mr. Potato head set with over 50 pieces! Pirate potato, clown potato, lady potato...and the possibilities go on and on.

Another big first for Tyler was him actually becoming more aware of his surroundings. On Christmas Eve, Tommy's dad let Tyler help him collect sticks (one of his favorite activities, only to be rivaled by throwing rocks in water) in their back yard. The stick pile became a bon fire later that night which Tyler LOVED. Tommy's parents live out in the country and have a lot of land that backs into woods. This was the first year where Tyler realized he had an endless backyard for a playground. Before we left, Tyler spent most of the day collecting rocks, sticks, rolling over logs, and just being a boy in the great outdoors. We had a great visit, and I know Tyler is looking forward to building a fort at his grandparents in the summer.

On our way home Wednesday, we met up with some of our close friends to visit and see their beautiful baby girl born just a month ago. It was so great to see the entire Reid family!!! Our road trip ended in Oak Ridge last night at my grandmothers to see more family. Many of my aunts and uncles were in, and Tyler got to visit (although road weary, he hung in there long enough to play a little and visit). It was so good to get to see almost all of our family in the span of a few days. Needless to say, we all slept well last night when we finally got home! Hope everyone had as wonderful as a Christmas as we did.

The Partridge Family Just Called...They Want Their Accordion Back

G-Ma giving Tyler some private lessons before taking their show on the road...and yes, accordion playing is still cool and making a comeback.

All I Want For Christmas Is A WasteBasket, Empty Cup, And Golf Ball....And Pants

My sister asked me today if Tyler was in to "creative play". I initially said not really, but after tonight might need to change my answer. I guess when you get tired of playing trains, blocks, and reading- a boy is forced to improvise.

26 Weeks

First, yes- I am fully aware of how large I am for only 26 weeks.

Second- we have a name....Carson Alexander Hodges.

Tyler With Dollywood Santa 2007!

Spreading The Christmas Love

I expect some negative feedback from my choice of blog topics, but I could not resist sharing this...sorry to any of our PETA friends. This blog pretty much sums up our week. We have all meant well, but it seems our personal strive to adorn affection on others is making those others, well- rather uncomfortable. Tyler is going through a stage (please let it be a stage) where he likes to sneak up on the cat while it is asleep or has its guard down only to unleash a death grip choke hold hug upon it. The cat is in turn taking its frustrations outdoors, on other unsuspecting creatures.

Tyler spreading the love to the cat...we like tight hugs

And the cycle continues...Our cat spreading the love to our yard friends- again, the hug might be a little too tight

Acorn Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

Tyer being the acorn in this story, Tommy the tree. Genetics are scary- some behavioral traits we have observed in Tyler over the years mirror us, yet we know for a fact we have never taught him to imitate us. Example, Tyler has Tommy's mouth shape- yet when he pouts, he holds his lips the exact same way I do. Ok- better example...Tommy and Tyler both sneeze in three's. Who sneezes three times every time? Best example....when Tommy sleeps, he tucks his hand in the waste band of his pajama bottoms. Don't think Al Bundy, not that deep- just gently in the band to keep his hand warm (at least this is what he tells me). I am sitting in the living room last night after Tyler is in bed and Tommy comes running to get me. This is what is we see....FREAKY.

Ignore the socks (a boy has to stay warm), and focus on the left hand

Who Says A Purple Backpack Is Only For Girls?

Since Tyler's love for Dora the Explorer, and more so for Dora's backpack companion on the show- Tyler has basically been running around the house as of late yelling "backpack" every 2 minutes. After visiting his Aunt Becky's house and playing with his cousin's backpack, we knew it was going to be a must on his Christmas list. Tommy and Tyler went to no less than 8 stores yesterday looking for this toy, only to discover it was apparently a hot item and sold out everywhere! Finally tonight after braving Super WalMart, backpack was found. Unfortunately we were unable to pry it out of Tyler's hot hands to wrap for Christmas...so he now has an early present to play with. The funniest thing just witnessed was Tyler shoving his infamous Blue Bear in the backpack and toting him around the house.

It's My Blog And I Will Brag If I Want To....

Tommy went in yesterday before his board to defend his comps from 10am until noon and passed! Not only did he pass on the first time, but his board actually said that in their years of reviewing comps- his work was some of the best they had ever seen. Tommy worked extremely hard and we are so proud!!!!

World's Longest Christmas Parade

This morning Tommy had to teach a class in Knoxville, so Tyler and I headed into Oak Ridge for the annual Christmas parade. Since this was not only our first parade of the year, but also the first one we had ever attended in my hometown- I was unsure what to expect. Little did I know that Smalltown USA would pull out all the stops and host a 2 hour event! Although a little chilly, Tyler loved seeing all the floats and was pretty content to sit with his sucker and watch the events unfold.

Tyler watching the Oak Ridge dancers

Santa's reindeer must be resting up for the big day...Oak Ridge brought in the llamas

Picking up candy thrown from the floats