Christmas 2010 Memories

Looking around at my Christmas decorations, and the toys that have taken over the house, I found myself thinking, "What will I remember most about this Christmas?"  Then, "What do I want to remember the most?"

I want to remember Dylan's constant singing of Christmas carol after Christmas carol...

I want to remember that despite getting a bunch of cool new toys, Dylan was happy to do this...

(He's dancing, if you don't recognize that signature move).

and this...

I want to remember his excitement about helping us decorate the tree...

I want to remember Dylan simply asking us for markers, and Santa for paper.

I want to remember us playing our traditional Christmas game, where you can steal a present off someone at the end, and how Dylan was eyeing "Mi-Ma"'s big bag of M&Ms until it was finally his turn.  When he stole them off her, and she pretended to cry, and he reached up to pull her hands away from her face, saying "It's okay.  I'll take something else".

I want to remember the innocence and joy of Dylan at 4, and now, thanks to this post, I will.

An Apology Letter

Dear Summer,

I feel awful. You left and I didn't even say goodbye. You know how much I look forward to your visits each year, and I truly didn't mean to neglect you this time. It just happened. This looking for a new house/showing a house/buying a house/packing up a house/selling a house/unpacking a house/selling a house stuff has been so time consuming that I didn't get to spend as much quality time with you as I normally do.

But Summer, trust me, I knew you were around. I felt your warmth on my face as I watched Dylan discover the joy of playing in the sand. (We were the palest family on the beach again this year!)



I watched water droplets from a fountain form a rainbow, as he and I sported cherry moustaches after enjoying some italian ice.



I listened to the infectious sound of laughter when he decided that sliding down a slide was incredibly fun, and often ridiculously funny.




I watched in amazement as he became a social butterfly, and play-dates became a necessity.


I marveled at his strength, as he picked up stones almost as big as his head, to throw in the creek.


I listened as he made animal noises at the farm, and got up close and personal with the "Moo", "Baa", "Bawk, Bawk", "Neigh", and "Quack".


I felt the cool, soothing water as we splashed around in the pool.


We swung, we quacked, we felt the wind in our hair.




Dylan has adjusted to our new house so easily, as if he doesn't miss the old house even a tiny bit. (I sure don't).
I am so happy to be in our new neighborhood, with friendly neighbors and more space, that I know it was worth neglecting you a bit. But, as always, I will be eagerly awaiting your return.

Oh, and Summer? Thanks for the memories.