Playing with New Toys

So since I had done a post without a single mention of Chase, here's a post dedicated to our little maniac playing with two Christmas presents :)

Noah's Arc at church-- 

seriously one of the cutest toys ever

And check out his cute new outfit!

Can I just say that this is the first Sunday we didn't have to take the wild man out of Sacrament meeting?  He played with his Noah's Arc like a well behaved little guy.  We were confused...  :)

And Marcus got a silicone baking sheet so he won't have to wash cookie sheets when he bakes cookies.  The pans seem to sit on the stove for days, unless I cave and do them.  For the record, he washes everything else, just hates those pans.  Well, Chase likes the rolled up silicone sheet.  It worked well as an amplifier.  Sorry there are two little clips, but they're fun.

In the Belly of the Beast

I hate how Marcus uses that expression to describe one of my favorite places in New York, especially at Christmastime, but I guess you can't blame him.  Macy's can be a bit crazy... :)  But we were given some gift cards for Christmas and wanted to make the most of that.

I was excited that they still had some Christmas decorations around and their window displays up.  I thought we might end up missing them, but we made it this weekend!

Marcus caved and finally decided he likes Macy's.  He got to ride on the old wooden escalator! :)  Plus we were heading to check out and saved a ton of money!  Yay!  I got 3 shirts, 1 skirt, 1 pair of dress pants, and Marcus got 2 pairs of slacks, 2 dress shirts, and a belt.  And we didn't even use all the gift card money!  Woo hoo!

And then we had Potbelly subs on the way home.  I love that place.  

Yay for a fun shopping morning!

Chatty Boy

Chase is seriously a non-stop talking machine.  

Wherever he is, whenever it is, whoever will listen...

Christmastime is Here!

After our big present opening extravaganza, it was time for breakfast.  Marcus apprenticed with Grandpa a few times, so he was prepared for his big omelet making...  they were perfect!  Yum!

And we spent most of the day hanging out together and playing with Chase's new toys.  Isn't that new shirt super cute???? :)

Of course, Skyping was a big part of our day.  Marcus was able to talk to Derek (on a mission in Arizona) and his family, and I Skyped with Trevor (currently in Bulgaria trying to renew his visa for his mission Ukraine) and the rest of my family.

I stole this picture from my mom because I think it's pretty awesome!

We also helped four missionaries in our ward Skype home to their families, so it was fun to have them popping in and out all day.

And of course, our glutinous Christmas dinner.  We had steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, and orange rolls, with sparkling cider and a chocolate pie for dessert.  Still not even that hungry after eating so much :)

Marcus' plate

We had a great Christmas here in our little apartment, just spending the day together.  We hope you enjoyed your holiday too.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Morning

Christmas is so much fun with a little kid!  I know Chase doesn't really understand what's going on, but he loves the gifts and new toys to play with.  We were really looking forward to seeing his reaction Christmas morning.  Totally worth it.

Chase's presents

This first big castle with a tree and hut for Hagrid :)

The skeptical (but pleased) little giftee finding his blocks

Our stockings

Playing

Goldfish in my stocking?!?!

And little drumsticks :)

Chase wanted to see everything that was opened, and he enjoyed tearing wrapping paper.  He caught on quick and had fun making a mess with boxes, tissue paper, wrapping paper, and new clothes and toys.

Chicago staring at her present under the tree

"I'm dreaming of a blu-ray Christmas!"

We were all spoiled rotten and look forward to hours of good reading, movie watching, block building, clothes shopping, bundts baking, ...  Thank you to our family members who mailed us gifts and cards.  I was mean and made Marcus save everything for Christmas morning, but it made an incredible Christmas!  Thank you so much.