Christmastime

Sorry for the lack of posts. Between my phone not cooperating, my computer falling apart, learning about my new computer, and the general chaos of the holidays...it has been difficult to get a post up.

 The weekend before Christmas we had the annual Traut Family Christmas party.

 Calvin was quite excited about the electric train that went around the Christmas tree. 

 Calvin's second cousin Christopher showed him how to make the train go.

 Calvin liked to make it go fast, which made it fall off the tracks which required help to get it going again. 

 But that didn't dissuade him from trying and trying. 

 Calvin called in some of the other cousins for help.

 They weren't much help unfortunately. 

 There were many other things Calvin liked to check out at the party. The cooler, of course. 

 The big house.

 The chairs that were just his size.

 The candlesticks (which he had to show Baby Dean how to play with).

 He helped pick out our gift in the exchange. 

 Here's Grandma Sarah with her siblings that were there. 

 Here's Calvin with a good chunk of the second cousins (his favorite is Annie, who is holding him). 

 A fun Christmas party for all!

Santa

Calvin took several trips to see Santa this year. 

For our first visit, Calvin wasn't quite sure about it.

 He was willing to shake Santa's hand

 and review his letter with his Christmas wish on it.

 But that was as far as it was going to go.

 No hugs or sitting on his lap.

 But the place was adorable.

 They really did a nice job.

 The parents were maybe more impressed then the kids.

The next visit with Santa went much better. Once my phone cooperates with me again I will show you all about it!

Christmas is Coming

Sorry! Between being very busy getting ready for the holidays and my phone not cooperating, I'm way behind in blog posts.

We've been getting ready for Christmas here.

 So, of course, we had to get a tree.

 Calvin loved running around the tree lot.

 But he still helped decide on which one to get.

 And then did more running.

 Then we walked the tree to its new home.

 And got the tree ready to be put up.

 Calvin was quite the helper.

 He even tried to use his saw when Daddy's wasn't working.

Then came decorating. 

Daddy helped Calvin try to put the angel on the top of the tree. 

 After more attempts then I could count, Daddy stepped in to get the job done.

Ta-da!

Parker!

We got to meet Uncle David's new puppy, Parker, a few weekends ago. 

 Calvin was a big fan of Parker

 and Parker of Calvin.

 They had a very similar energy level.

 I had to take photos very quickly because they did not sit still for a second.

 Calvin figured out that Parker couldn't get up on the couches.

 So he had to show off.

 Parker wanted him to come down and play.

 This actually last for a few minutes and was quite adorable.

We're sure Parker will be quite a bit bigger the next time we see him.