Christmas Baby

We had a very Merry Christmas full of travels, family, friends, food, and, of course, presents.  

I guess we began celebrating the season on the 21st at our house with some "solstice" presents.

We started traveling on the 22nd in Forest City, IA with   Grandma and Grandpa Hemberger.  On the 23rd we partook in the annual festivity of Lille Jul Aften in FC.  A large crowd gathered for glogg, sing-alongs, the children's nativity (FGH was too mobile to play Jesus, though he was the smallest babe), and a smorgasbord.  I took video that night, so I hope someone reading this will forward some photos to me!  On the 24th we had mock-Christmas morning with the Reids, Mittmans, and Hembergers, and then we headed north for Christmas with the Larsons, G.Grandma June, and the Jacobsons, and Lindblooms of course.  FGH and Madi played together really well and loved all the toys they received.  More presents, a delicious breakfast, and play time followed in the morning and then we lounged around the Larson house for most of the day before heading home.  We're feeling a little stir crazy after all the busy days.  It's dull inside and cold outside.  Without further ado...the photos...

This is my all time favorite, striped pants, vintage jacket, crazy-colors awesome toy.

Solstice gifts under the Christmas tree...how unitarian.
blocks are good things
Jonah and Fredrik in matching stripes
Lachen, Aksel, Fredrik, and Jonah in sweaters made my Gma Hemberger
Madi and Fredrik in their Christmas outfits
Telephone toy...a blast
Gma Larson, FGH, Madi surprised by...something...Santa?
Another good read
some assembly required, nice drill, Freddy

Gimme that Tree

For the love of garlic

The infatuation with garlic continues.  It's everywhere.  Not only bulbs, but the papers. Everywhere.  He has taken a bite a few times, and he'll cry a bit, but he still goes back for more.  

Such a dignified pose.

Entering Retirement

Fredrik has outgrown the best darn shoes ever. They stayed on, they looked darling, they were soft, they were warm. We will miss you, sweet shoes. Now the quest for another pair begins. The Hanna Andersson Swedish Moccasins seem to be pretty nice so far. But still, we will miss you, little football shoes.

A Visit to Macy's

Fredrik met Santa today!  We were at Macy's to check out the 8th floor animatronic Christmas display and at the end was a line to meet and greet Santa Clause himself.  It was a fun family outing, we all had a good time.  Fredrik did OK with Santa, they snapped two pictures and then he burst into tears.  It was short-lived- as soon as he was back into my arms he was fine.  He had a lot of fun in line for Santa, there were many shiny big ornaments for gazing and playing not to mention a lot of kids.   We even had a delicious lunch in the Sky Room.  Quite a day.  I think we just might have found our official Christmas card family picture, too.

Fun at Gma and Gpa's

Fun was had at the Larson Residence this weekend. Tiny plaid chairs, Christmas decorations galore, a cousin, and plenty of play time. What more could a boy want?

Scooter

Fredrik LOVES this little scooter. He crawls over to it and hits it until we put him on top and cart him around. It's quite adorable. He's hamming it up a bit in the pictures, but usually he's very very serious while he's ridin'. It's a good workout for us, too. Down the hall, through the kitchen, around the dining room table..down the hall...
Notice the one blue mitten. What a circus.