During Henry's nap, I went to Target, and Jeff re-built Henry's train tracks into a new configuration. After naptime we decided to go to our favorite playground at Washington Park near the zoo. We stopped to check out an old steam train that's on display outside of the zoo before heading to the park. 
It was pretty cold, so after about 10 minutes of playing, Henry said, "How 'bout go bye-bye?" 
We then headed over to the mall so that Henry could play at the indoor playground. 
He had fun playing on the equipment, but I think he had more fun being tickled by Daddy and wearing Daddy's hat. 
After a little walking around and shopping, we were ready for dinner. We drove to Benihana, where Jeff and I ate some great sushi, and Henry enjoyed his teriyaki chicken and noodles. 
What a fun day!Henry loves his "Oh, David" book so much that he has it memorized word for word. I took a video of him "reading" the book this morning. In case you want to follow along, here are the words:
page 1: David's mommy always said...Oh, David!
page 2: Open up, Davey!
page 3: P.U.!
page 4: Hold still!
page 5: Go to sleep, David!
page 6: Oh, David, I love you.
There are several books that Henry knows by heart, and he is so proud of himself when he "reads" them to us. Smart boy!
Just yesterday, Henry sat down in front of the tree and said, "How 'bout open presents?" That's MY boy!
When we woke up this morning, Henry had fun playing with his new Island of Sodor setup. 
He didn't realize it was Christmas, though. It was just another morning to Henry. He wanted a sippy cup of milk, and he wanted to "watch Thomas." Jeff made us a nice breakfast, and then we opened our stockings. We practically had to force Henry to open his stocking. 
He really wasn't interested. But, he was happy with the new Thomas trains that he got. Next we opened the gifts under the tree. Again, Henry didn't really get it. He doesn't like opening gifts...he definitely doesn't get that from ME! I love presents! 
I had to start tearing open the gifts. Then when Henry caught a glimpse of what was under the wrapping, if he was interested, he would finish the unwrapping job. 
He loved his new Spongebob towel. 
It snowed this morning, and we thought it would be fun to take Henry for a walk in the snow. We bundled up and went outside, only to discover that it was very cold and very wet, and our faces were getting pelted by freezing raindrops.
After about five minutes, we turned around and went home. 
Unfortunately Jeff had to go to work at 5:00 today, but at least we got to enjoy most of Christmas together. Henry and I drove over to my dad's house again for another yummy dinner. This time it was a much smaller crowd. We got to spend more time with my Grandpa and Esther, who are visiting from Virginia. Henry got to hang out with his Grandpa and his Great-Grandpa!
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
Stella and Rocco love Santa! I've also learned a valuable lesson over the past 2 years. Don't take your child to a doggy daycare to have his Santa picture taken. The Santas are much better at the mall. No cheesy fake beards!
He loved it! He looked at himself wearing it in the mirror over and over. So, then I bought him a pair of Thomas pajamas. 
Again, he LOVED them. Good thing I bought two different pairs. 
Just when I thought I was getting far too immersed in the Thomas-Mania, something happened to make me feel better. I cut out a 40% off coupon to Michael's because I'd heard that they sell Thomas stuff there, and we were going to get Henry some new tracks for his train table for Christmas. Since the coupon is only good for one item, I talked to Jeff about getting Henry one of the big sets. Jeff decided that he would go to Michael's yesterday while Henry was napping. THIS is what Jeff brought home...
Plus, Jeff bought Henry a Thomas calendar earlier today. I'm not sure WHO has the worst case of Thomas-Mania...Henry, me, or Jeff?
So, really, who can blame us? 
We had to take a break while putting on pajamas tonight because Henry just HAD to see the pretty lights...right that instant!
As we drive around, he shouts out from the backseat, "Pretty lights! Look at pretty lights! Red, blue, yellow, green, pink pretty lights!" I bought a couple of strands of colored lights and hung them up in our house, but he's especially fascinated by the lights outside of houses. He loves the two houses across the street from us, and he constantly asks to see their lights. He says, "Pretty lights UP CLOSE! Pretty lights OUTSIDE!" Each afternoon when we get home, I take Henry across the street to see the lighted reindeer. 
Jeff took him across the street today while it was still light out, and Henry kept saying, "Turn ON pretty lights!" 
