A Very Estee Christmas

Saturday Connor had a busy day.  We first went to our favorite resale shop, Beansprouts, to have a picture taken with Santa.  They offer this free of charge, which is perfect when you're not sure how your little one will react.  Santa was parking his sleigh when we arrived, but Gingy the Gingerbread man was around and Connor seemed a little fascinated, so we got a picture with him first.  Gingy wasn't quite done getting ready, and you can see the person inside the costume, but it's ok.  Connor was a little more leary of Santa, but a little bribery with a lollipop and he was fine.

We then headed up to Tewksbury for the annual Estee Christmas.  We were all curious to see how Connor would react to the presents.  He understood that they were presents, but the actual process of opening it to get to the toy inside he didn't quite get.  He had a mini meltdown with all the commotion of people trying to get him to open his gifts, so we took a break for a bit.  While Daddy and Auntie went to pick up the food, Mimi and I sat down and explained about the toys inside the presents and showed him how to rip them open.  He understood, and opened his present to find Super Why inside!  He was very excited, and after that realized that if he ripped the paper off, he'd find a toy inside.  He still had his distracted moments, but I think he really enjoyed finding the hidden toys!  He was a bit spoiled this year, since Mimi and Papa are very generous, but he's already enjoying his new presents.

Connor loved the giant Santa Claus in Mimi and Papa's living room, and kept saying "Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas!" just like the giant Santa did.  I didn't get a chance to get it on video, but it was adorable. 

On the way home we stopped to see the famous Christmas lights on Rockvale Ave in Tewksbury.  The entire street goes all out with their Christmas decorations, and Connor loved it.  We did manage to get a picture of the Clark Griswold house.  Every inch of their house was covered with lights.  It's amazing.  I can't imagine their electricity bill! 

After ending the night eating two ice cream cupcakes (thank you, Auntie Heather), and didn't fall asleep on the way home as planned.  He finally went to bed around 10:30 pm, and slept through his last day of swim lessons on Sunday.  I was ok with this, because we've both been battling colds this week and he needed the rest.  We had a lazy morning, and only left the house to get some much-needed groceries.  He spent the rest of the day playing with his new toys and singing Christmas carols (his favorites are Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and the Muppets version of the 12 Days of Christmas).  

We have a busy week before Christmas here, with our regularly scheduled speech appointments and wrapping up some last minute gifts.  Any ideas on what to get his speech therapist?  :) 

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!