It's Christmas time in the Shannon household. The tree is up, the outside lights look great, and Ethan and Violet are playing with all of their new toys! It was an amazing Christmas experience with the children this year. Ethan is at the age where he is really starting to get the whole Santa/presents/Christmas connection, and he is not shy about going to say hi to Santa when they happen to meet. Violet, although not really aware of the whole Christmas thing yet, makes things fun with her generally positive and excited attitude. Together, they made one heck of a Christmas team in 2013.
Christmas started even earlier for us, because we traveled to New Jersey a few weeks before to celebrate with Daddy's side of the family. It was so nice to see everyone and to see their excitement to be spending time with Ethan and Violet. Even though we were only there about 3 days, we managed to spend some quality time with almost everyone in the family.
We met at Grandpa's favorite restaurant one morning with all of the Shannon's (Pederson's, Torlucci's and Avaziers) and everyone gave Ethan and Violet their presents, which the kids had to open and play with right there at the table. Later on that day, Grammy and Poppy had their annual Xmas party, which was really fun. We had an elf show up and have a sing-along, and the elf even did some face-painting! Later on, Santa showed up and gave presents to all of the grandchildren, both Shannon and Rechenberg! Ethan loved to see Santa, and even went and sat on his lap for a good 10 minutes straight! Violet was not as impressed with Santa, and she did not want anything to do with the Santa lap situation. Ahh, maybe she will like him more next year. The next day Ethan and Violet got their presents from Grammy, Poppy and Uncle Keith. In typical fashion, everyone got gigantic gifts for the children, which is fun when it's time to pack the car and drive back to Maryland. Ethan got a bunch of new trucks, a new Hess truck, a gigantic crane, and even a leather recliner! Violet got a Minnie mouse recliner too, as well as some dolls, and other cute toys. It was great to see Krista, Jenna, Ciara, Ethan and Violet all play together. There is so much love among the cousins.
The following weekend Grammy Litsch came down on the train to visit and celebrate Christmas with us as well. We had a great time hanging out with Grammy Litsch, and she helped us pick out a Christmas tree! Later we all went back to the house, had Hot Cocoa, and decorated the tree. We were lucky that Grammy Litsch came down and was able to share in this very special moment with us. The best part of Grammy's trip (according to Ethan) was the gigantic cement truck that Ethan received as a present. He was thrilled with the truck (considering trucks remains as his sole obsession right now)
The next morning, Grammy spend some one on one time with Violet, while Mommy and Daddy took Ethan to the train museum for breakfast and a train ride with Santa. Ethan had such a great time, playing with trains, and eating pancakes with us. During the train ride, he got to meet Santa (again), and it even started snowing while we were on the train. It was a really magical experience overall.
Our final celebration of Christmas came on the actual day itself. On Christmas Eve, Mommy and Daddy made sure to (try and) get the kids to bed early, so they could get the house ready for the arrival of Santa. They made sure that the tree was just right, and to make it extra special, they set up Pop Pop Litsch's trains. That was the centerpiece, and one of the most special parts of this Chrismas for everyone. It was through the magic of Christmas that we even got the train to work, considering its been in the box for 25 years, and neither Mommy or Daddy ever set up any kind of train before. Not only did the train work, but even the liquid smoke worked, which was a really nice touch to a beautiful Christmas experience.
Ethan woke up first at about 6:30, and he was so amazed to see the train under his tree. He immidiatly labeled all the different train cars and wanted to touch it every time it came around the track (he was responsible for multiple derailments). Violet came down next with Mommy, and she stood in her Christmas pajamas and pointed at the train while looking at us, as if she wanted to say "hey guys, check this out".
The attention then switched to the tons of presents that were surrounding the tree and train. Ethan was so happy to get yet another garbage truck, and some extra garbage cans. He also got really cool garbage truck pajamas (sensing a theme yet?) Violet got a shopping cart, that was full of toy vegetables. She loves pushing it around, and putting her baby in the seat.
All in all it was a Merry Christmas, and we can't wait to see what the new year will bring us.
