Christmas Day, 2007

What a special Christmas! This was the first year that we stayed at our house for Christmas morning. It was so special, because Trenton was finally old enough to understand it all. He walked down the stairs, stopping after the first one to say "Woah. Presents!"

Above, he opens some Play Dough from Aunt Shairna. We can't wait to try it out... on the high-chair, of course! Lotsa tools to mold and cut with, too.

Above, he tries out the new art desk from Nana Curtis (Shairna's mom). I think it was his absolute favorite toy! Trenton also got a fishing set for the bathtub, an animal music set, and a trampoline from Mommy and Daddy!

Above, Jim and Trenton relax as they watch the Disney Christmas Parade. I made cinnamon buns and a fresh fruit plate for us to enjoy. By the time we got ready, took showers, etc., we were off in the car to Great Grandma Wilson's in Mountain Lakes to celebrate with Jim's mom's family.

Above, Trenton opens a Noah's Ark set from Carolyn, Chrysanne, and family.

Chrysanne, above, and her brothers Peter and Bryan are sure growing up. We can remember when all of them were in elementary school... even when Chrysanne was a shy, barely talking girl! All the kids had fun watching T open presents and helping him play with some.

Above, Great Grandma Wilson and Grandma Konopack pass along a silver cup that has been in the family for four generations. Now it is Trenton's keepsake! We had a great Christmas. Thanks a lot!

Christmas Eve with the Lacinas

This year, we spent Christmas Eve with the Lacinas. Trenton and Mommy joined Grandma and Grandpa Lacina and Uncle Len for a morning of visiting Santa and Great Grandma Lacina. Above, they share a laugh. Below, Grandpa is denied a kiss!

For those of you who haven't seen Jessie in awhile, here she is! She's lost a lot of weight. That's great!

Trenton got a Curious George doll from Grandma! He was very surprised, as he watches CG just about every day, whether it be on YouTube, pbskids.org, or the TV! Below, he bounces on his favorite gift from Uncle Len-- a pony!

Trenton also received an Aqua Doodle pad, nature sticker book, and an Elmo book that had his name and facts about him personalized into it! Below, he tries out his new sled. Thanks for the gifts, Grandma and Grandpa!

Seeing Santa

Last year, Trenton saw Santa at Allaire State Park on the train. We got one picture of him next to Santa, but no traditional 'on the lap' shot. I really wanted on this year! Unfortunately, things got busy, and we missed all the free Santa opportunities around town... So we went on Christmas Eve to Brunswick Square Mall with the Lacinas. There was no line! He got to sit on Santa's lap, albeit hesitantly, and kinda smile for the picture. Ha!

In the video below, we were getting Trenton 'warmed up' to Santa. I'm actually petting the guy's coat!

Baby Jesus is Here!

Trenton had the honor of putting out the baby Jesus tonight. I don't think he knew that the figure was hiding in the drawer the whole time... He has been pretty good about staying away from the set this month. But he likes to play with the animals.

I didn't notice it until after I took the pictures, but someone (Jim!!) put a wise man in Joseph's place... funny joke, eh? NO! ;)

We sang "Happy Birthday to Jesus"

Again with the shoes!!

Christmas at the Konopacks

And so begins the Christmases! We traveled up to Grandma and Grandpa Konopack's house for a Christmas celebration with them. Mom made a fantastic dinner and we had a relaxing night before opening the presents the next day.

I think Jim is going to do just fine putting together toys for the next few years... it took him about 15 minutes to get this racecar track together! And yes, he read the directions ;)

Big gift from Jason-- cornhole! He had this set custom made. It is really big in the Midwest and we are excited to try it out in our backyard this summer. Great gift idea, Jay!

Trenton also received a fishing set and an easel! I can't wait to get him painting, drawing, and creating artwork on it. However, right now he calls it his "tunnel" and just wants to crawl under it and hang and jump on it!

Thanks for everything, Mom and Dad. See you again on Christmas Day!

In My Tunnel

Trenton often takes the cushions off of the couch. Here, we made a tunnel with the blanket! Kept him busy between dinnertime and bedtime (the looongest part of the day!)

Family Pictures, Dec. 2007

Here's our family picture for the year! Jason wasn't in it :( but I think this is the only time we'll have both sides of the family together for one shot. We took 3-- here's the best.

Then, Trenton got silly. We hooked up the camera to the TV to view the pics, and Jim ended taking more of Trenton, including video. He laughed so hard seeing himself on the television. Check out the video below.

First video is Trenton being Trenton, with Grandma Lacina, Pop Pop Lacina, Grandma Konopack, and Uncle Len in the background. The second one is of him trying to say "zookeeper". He has a toy zoo keeper, but whenever he says the word, it comes out "zoopeeker".

Trenton's First Christmas Pagent

Trenton participated in our church's Nativity play this weekend. It was really special because both sets of grandparents and Uncle Len were able to come and watch the performance. He attended two rehearsals and did a fantastic job keeping up with the other shepherds. The highlight, for him, was that he got to hold a staff!

"Hark!" the angels said... and T listened ;)

Afterwards we enjoyed a home-cooked meal and some fantastic seasonal desserts. We are so glad to be able to host our family for dinner! Trenton absolutely loves having all the attention.

A Smart Move, Jon

“Today New Jersey is truly evolving,” Corzine said. “I believe society first must determine if its endorsement of violence begets violence, and if violence undermines our commitment to the sanctity of life. To these questions, I answer yes.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/17/nyregion/17cnd-jersey.html?hp

For the past few years, I've thought it was funny that the one piece of mail that keeps getting delivered to me at my parents' address is from the organization to begin a death penalty moratorium in New Jersey. I must have signed some kind of petition at some point. I do believe that life in prison without the possibility of parole should take the place of the death penalty sentence so often given out. Studies show that the DP has not been a significant deterrent for criminals and that it is more expensive to execute someone than it is to incarcerate them for life. And many people, from religious pro-lifers to parents of murdered children, have fought a long time to have this law changed in New Jersey. Today, Governor Jon Corzine repealed New Jersey's death penalty law (which hasn't been carried out since 1963 on a prisoner). I also find it noteworthy that it was moved through the state Senate and General Assembly within two weeks-- goes to show that legislation CAN be negotiated and put into action!

New Hairstyle

This is what happens when Daddy does the bath...

And to think, I just cut his hair yesterday!

Decorating the Gingerbread House with Daddy

Santa?

He's eating the piece of Gretl that he broke off...
Notice how he always answers the last choice given...

Gingerbread House

Tonight we built our gingerbread house! I had purchased one from Trader Joe's last month. I liked it a lot because it was made in Germany-- the real deal! Trenton played with the candy people while Jim got the frosting going for the walls and roof. T broke the base off of one of the people (Gretl?) and ate a few candy pieces.

He put the pretzel pieces for the fence on the frosting with daddy... pushed kinda hard (see video).

Ta da!