Christmas, part 2

Wow -- did we get spoiled for Christmas! We thought Christmas morning was amazing; two days later we did it all over again once my parents arrived in town. Riley received a giant bag of treasured toys and books from his favorite cousin (and clothes to boot). The rest of the family was also super generous with the kids, including my cousin, Steve, who hand-crafted a gorgeous easel that doubles as a chalkboard and white board. It's perfect as Riley practices writing his first words (and playing tic-tac-toe).

Riley also got to go on a couple of shopping sprees, one at Barnes and Noble thanks to his Aunt Sunya and another on Amazon thanks to Aunt Carol. The joy this power brought him was awesome to witness! He still can't stop talking about it. He picked out entirely different things than I ever would have -- which I guess was the point. He had total agency in his purchases, which I think is a framework we'll reference back to repeatedly to teach him about money.

So, every Christmas there is a stand-out, the gift that wins the holiday, if you will.

In 2014, that gift was Snap Circuits. This relatively simple toy allows kids to build their own circuits that control a fan, lights, various sounds...all kinds of cool stuff. Riley spent the whole day playing with the set my parents bought him. Then the next day and the next. Flash forward a couple weeks, and he still plays with it every day, losing himself in the toy like in no other activity ever before.

The question is: is the toy a bigger hit with Riley or Andy?

I'm not certain. But the joy it has brought these two is priceless. Such a great father and son activity. Thanks, mom and dad!

Everyone was equally generous with Sloane, especially with the awesome new books she's enjoying. We were also quite fond of this adorable dress. :)



















Sloane's grandfathers wrapped all her gifts with love.

What lucky kids!