This year, Caleb would meet Santa for the first time at an event hosted by our church. It went pretty much as expected, not well. When it was his turn, he clung to Daddy and did not want to interact with Santa. He reluctantly took his gifts of M&M's, a toothbrush and toothpaste. As we were making our way back to our seats, he began to cry. He had spotted Santa's bag. He thought he had missed his opportunity to get his police helicopter, the one thing he wanted this Christmas. We explained to him that Santa is just here to hear what the boys and girls would like for Christmas; he will then deliver them on Christmas. He decided to go back and see Santa again. He didn't sit on his lap, but he was all smiles for a picture.
With our trip to Michigan planned for just days before Christmas, Santa would need to visit Tucson early this year! It was set, 'our Christmas' would take place on Sunday, December 15th. We had much planned for that weekend. We were looking forward to taking Caleb to Winterhaven, a festival of lights, in Tucson. We were also looking forward to celebrating 'our Christmas Eve' by attending the Saturday evening service at Vision. Our plans changed when Caleb came down with a cold and slight fever. We would not attend Winterhaven this year, and I would attend church without my guys. Even with Caleb under the weather, we were determined to make the weekend great!
We kicked off Saturday evening with two of our family traditions. We bundled up and went for our annual drive through nearby neighborhoods in search of Christmas lights. We returned home to find three presents under the tree, pajamas for all, a tradition started with Matt's family. After setting out cookies for Santa, Caleb was listening for sleigh bells as he went off to bed.
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Holding his 2012 ornament
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Christmas Eve hugs
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Caleb with his Christmas Eve gift
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Two pairs with feet, YES!
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Oh so soft!
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Mommy's turn!
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Daddy's little helper
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Christmas pajamas
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Caleb suggested we leave water for Santa because milks spoils when left out
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Santa makes a special delivery in Tucson
A couple weeks prior, Caleb lost one of his favorite stuffed animals, a black Scottie dog. It broke my heart just as much as it did his. We searched everywhere. We finally concluded, that puppy had probably fallen out of the car. Matt and I decided to replace the dog. Matt told Caleb that his puppy had gone to the North Pole to tell Santa, "Caleb is leaving for Michigan and you need to come to Tucson early this year!" He went on to tell Caleb that puppy would then ride back home to him on Santa's sleigh.
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Puppy waiting by the tree to be reunited with Buddy
Christmas morning, Caleb woke to find many surprises waiting for him. A custom made train table, presents under the tree, a little brown bear sticking out of his stocking, and his once missing puppy sitting next to the tree with a red ribbon around his neck. Santa brought Caleb the one thing he asked for, a police helicopter, along with a stocking full of surprises and some Legos. Daddy and I had a few other surprises under the tree for him as well. After the last present was open, Daddy was in full toy assembly mode reading directions and searching for batteries! Caleb was busy going from one toy to the next, cinnamon rolls were baking and the sun was shining brightly! The blessings were abundant this Christmas morning!
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The return of puppy and a bear of his own, just like the ones he had sent to the little boys and girls in Mongolia
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Stocking stuffer fun!
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Anxious to see what Santa left for him
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Thank you Santa!
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| A police helicopter...the one thing he asked for |
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Here Mommy, let me give you a hand
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Anxious to wear his "Going to Grandma's" shirt
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Kitty's favorite spot throughout Christmas
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New shoes!
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Mommy's Christmas surprise, a beautiful pendant.
Caleb wanted me to have something green, and he just happened to pick his birthstone!
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A disco ball for dance parties!
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Filling the air with joyful sounds
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Caleb's first, real camera!
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Checking the time on Daddy's new watch
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| A Christmas morning highlight, a fireman backpack sprayer! |
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Even Gwen had a surprise waiting for her
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Laughing as the tunnel from his new play tent springs up around him!
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