Christmas!

Lauren gave Quinten a toy story watch!


Our matching Rudolph's with their ski helmets.


Santa brought Quinten a grill!

Grandpa Jim spent the day with us!

Toy food for the grill and Pink Barbie!

Christmas brought great joy again in our home. We had a lovely dinner Christmas Eve followed by Christmas Eve service. Quinten participated in the Christmas Eve service as an angel in the play. Initially he declined but he changed his mind half way through the service. Lauren went over to her mom's after 9 so we celebrated with her after the church service. Jim Zappe came over early afternoon on the 24th but became ill and spent the day and evening in bed.

Christmas morning Quinten provided the first gift by sleeping in past 7am! Mark's dad provided the first memorable incident involving the garage door. Quinten asked for shirts, socks, underwear and a grill. He had been a very good boy and received all his requests. We are trying hard to keep the gifts simple so the real meaning of the season is not lost. The night before I was questioning my decision thinking I was being too much like Scrooge. Christmas morning I knew I had made the right decision. Quinten took his time opening gifts and appreciated each and every gift. He does not have all the "stuff" most kids have but he enjoys what he owns.

We were also pleased to spend Christmas with my parents. It has been a hard year for my parents; having time with them this holiday was deeply meaningful. They loved having their family over for part of the day.

COSI

Discovering how the water gun directed the flow of the shapes.


Playing with legos proved as much fun as the science!


Quinten and Haley "touch" a cloud.

Clifford came to COSI!

Quinten and I went to COSI for the first time in mid-December. Our friends-Karen, Haley and Ian joined us which was great. The front area had so many wonderful and entertaining activities that we joked we might not even go into the exhibits. Thanks to Janet's parents who purchased a family membership so they could go for free! There are so many exhibits that we did not explore half before going home. We sat in a weather show where Quinten exclaimed "I'm bored". The science man really did a wonderful job bringing science to life. Once he created the cloud, all three kids became very excited. We spent four hours at COSI and cannot wait to return.

Santa Train

Daddy and Quinten. This is one of the first pictures where I see how much Quinten looks like his daddy!


Santa and Quinten get a visit.

Is he coming?!!

Once again we went on the Santa train starting in Nelsonville. We went Sunday afternoon and the train was packed. Santa made his appearance n the first 30 minutes. Quinten was quite excited to go and taked about the Santa train to everyone. However, he "froze" and did not utter a single word. He did take his toy magazine to show Santa that he is requesting a toy grill. Quinten is being quite practical asking for socks, shirts, underwear and the grill. We want him to know the magic of Christmas but the real meaning of the season-love, grace, blessings from his family. But, I think that we are on a good start with him.