Christmas Recap 2009 Part 2- Christmas with the Floetkes/Lustilas

We headed over to my parents house Christmas afternoon where we were joined by my brother and his girlfriend and 2 of my mom's brothers and their families.  Luke continued to receive lots of great toys and again had no idea how to handle so many toys.  I suspect that my cousin Grant had more fun with Luke's toys that day than Luke did himself, but thanks to Grant, Luke learned how to play with many of them.
Luke did really well with opening the presents himself and being super excited about whatever he received.  I wasn't sure if we'd have to wait until next Christmas for him to really get into it, but I was pleasantly suprised that he understood as much about it as he did.  He talked a lot about baby Jesus, Christmas trees, and Santa and became very fond of saying "Merry Christmas Tree!"
I guess my photographer got worn out taking photos (or else was too busy opening his own mound of presents to afford me a large selection of photos of the whole group of us) so here are a few of Luke.

Luke's mound of gifts

Checking to make sure we got them all out

Luke and Grant distributing gifts

Luke popping bubble wrap with Grant

We had a really nice time.  It was a little bittersweet as we had once thought that maybe this would be our last Christmas that we would have to travel to FL, but as many of you now know we have decided to stay in Atlanta.  I could right a whole page on the subject, but I'm just going to let it stand that Josh has been blessed with a wonderful career opportunity here and we are looking forward to him finally being done with school/residency/fellowship.  It has been a long time coming for him and us as a family.  While we will miss being closer to our family and good friends in FL, we hope that everyone will come visit us here in Atlanta!

Christmas Recap 2009 Part 1, Christmas with the Elliotts

Ok so I am a little behind getting the pictures from Christmas up.  Josh did a great job as usual being the photographer and there are way to many pictures to choose from so I will just share a sampling of our trip to Lakeland and St. Pete.  Luke and I were able to spend about 10 days in FL, we stayed for a few extra days after Josh had to get back to Atlanta for work.  We spent Christmas Eve and morning with Josh's parents and brother and sister-in-law.  His aunt and uncle came over on Christmas Day and joined us as well.  It was great to see everyone and spend Christmas together.  Luke received so many great toys, he didn't know what to play with first. 

Luke building a tower with Aunt Jayce

Luke building a tower with his papa and Uncle Matt

Luke wrestling and pinning his papa

Christmas begins with a carrying case for his cars!

So happy

Shrek!!!! (the 3rd...Josh and I were getting seriously tired of Shrek 2, we also ended up borrowing the orginal Shrek from my parents, so at least now there is some variety to the Shrek watching at our house, which still occurs daily).  He also got several other movies, but none have replaced his favorite...Shrek! I think Shrek 4-D coming out in a few months may be the first movie we try to take him too.  That is if he still loves Shrek in a few months!

Animals!!

The aftermath of Christmas morning

Luke helping mommy with a snowman puzzle

And finally a little teaser for a future post involving video:

Luke goes to the live nativity

Luke goes to a church based daycare here in Atlanta.  Before Christmas, they had a live Nativity for a few nights.  It was so cold, but I took Luke twice.  The first time just he and I went when we were on our way home from my work Christmas party.  Josh's office had a staff party the same evening so he wasn't able to go with us.  I really thought Luke would be scared of the animals, given his history with a horse and the chick-fil-a cow, but after a few minutes he really got into it and wanted to go touch all of the animals.  There were sheep and ponies, a rabbit, a dove, and even a camel.  The church was also open and serving hot chocolate and hot apple cider and cookies which was great because it was freezing!  After a little break inside where it was warm we went back outside for some more animal petting.  We were there nearly an hour.  I knew we had to go back with Josh, I was so sad he missed seeing all the fun Luke had.  Here are some pictures we took when we went back for the second trip.

A few family pictures:

And a random shot from later that night:

he does this to himself people, I couldn't make him wear that if I tried!