christmas vacation week

This week began with disappointment for us. The last blog entry was about day one of trying to get on a plane to go to Seattle. The next day didn't go any better. We had tickets to Seattle passing through Salt Lake City, but our flight from Salt Lake to Seattle canceled and that effectively canceled the trip. It was a big deal because of how little the Browning clan gets to see us and more specifically Riley. It's really important to us that he knows his family well on both sides, so this was a loss.

So we got a couple of extra days at home. We were in a pretty crappy place, so there's not much to report there. One good thing that happened on Monday was that Shelby was able to take Riley to his swim lesson. They both really enjoyed that. We also got to do Christmas shopping for me (new work clothes) and got me some winter boots, gloves and snowshoes. That was more of a family gift (did I ever tell you how much I hate snow?) It will give us a fun activity to do as a family during snowy weather (we have a sled for Riley) and hopefully it will help me to dread the white nastiness a little less. Shelby did some shopping for herself on Tuesday.

The change of plans meant that we would be spending Christmas with the Berg clan. First we had a leisurely Wednesday morning. Riley demonstrated for Mama how he helps Daddy grind beans to make coffee. He also likes the feeling of the vibration on his teeth:














We headed down to CT in the afternoon. When we got to Grandma Berg's house Riley went to check out the tree with Mama. He loved the lights and the "balls" (ornaments.)














When it was time for dinner at Grandma's Riley wore his newest piece of clothing:














When told that the bib said I love Grandma he patted it with his hand. Very sweet.

There were also Christmas Presents for Riley on Christmas Eve:

Like any basketball great Riley knows that you have to take the ball to the hoop














Any ball














Basketbat?














Basketball video:


Baseball with Mama














Again, not totally clear on the concept...














Baseball video:

On Christmas Day it was off to my brother Drew's house for dinner and gifts with Drew and Bruce's families. We had a great dinner and Riley got to play with his cousins:

Hanging out with Daniella














Physicist Riley at the chalk board














Upside down with Bruce














Riley also got to play Sean's drums. We really hope that Riley wants to be a drummer as we'd love to have one in the family (Mama plays piano and Daddy plays guitar.) So hard to find a decent drummer, great to have one at home. And yes we are fully aware of how loud they are. Daddy has also always wanted to play the drums...

Our Little Drummer Boy














Drums video:

When it came time for gifts the nieces and nephews were very confused by our gift of travel sized Sensodyne toothpaste:














Until they found the money stashed inside. We wanted the toothpaste for when we travel (which is frequently.) They were very happy to let go of it... The rest of the gift went over quite well.

As difficult as it was to have our travel plans ruined by the awful weather, it was good for me that we were in CT for Christmas this year. This was the first Christmas since my Dad's passing and so it was good to be with my family. Especially Mom. With the way that the doors just kept slamming in our faces when we were trying to get out of Boston it would appear that perhaps God thought we needed to be in CT too. The presence of family can be very comforting at times. And as my Mom often says, the toughest things are "firsts."

We headed back home after Christmas dinner because the next day we were off to visit Shelby's cousins up in Maine. Shelby and I babysat Jon and Julie's new dog (Erica can pretty much take care of herself at age 10, so she wasn't hard to watch) so that they could go out and celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary. Erica loved playing with Riley and his new Legos:

Back home again Saturday Afternoon. For not being able to travel as we planned we certainly spent enough time traveling.

I also spent a little time reflecting on the 'reason for the season' while hanging out with my boy. We have a God who sent His son as a baby at what we know as Christmas fully knowing that he was sending him to suffer and die for those who believe in Him. I am even more amazed at this after having become a father.

If it was my son I'd have to say, "Sorry world, you're out of luck."

I'm so glad to have a God who is so very much bigger, stronger, wiser and more compassionate than I could ever be. Praise You and thank You Lord. You have blessed me and mine unimaginably.

Jonathan