Christmas: The Sequel

It has come to my attention that so far for the months of November and December, I’ve published exactly one post on this blog. And that’s not fair. You, my lovely readers, have invested so much of your time in watching me grow, and how have I repaid you? By ignoring you.

Well, that just won’t do. So today, to make amends, I’ll be publishing a recap of all of my holiday exploits. And on top of that, as a token of appreciation for all of your support over the past 14 months of my life (or all 14 months of my life, as it were), I’m going to make a pledge to you right now: I pledge that I will never again go an entire month without updating this blog. You have my word on this.*

* Unless it’s a slow month. Or I’m feeling particularly lazy. Or there’s a “Freaks and Geeks” marathon on TV.

Anyway, on to Christmas. As you might have remembered, our house was quite the winter wonderland (at least, compared to Mom and Dad's meager standards) for Christmas last year. Mom and Dad put up a tree, stockings, garlands, and all sorts of other decorations to celebrate my first Christmas. So you’d assume that, since I’m so much more aware of my surroundings this time around, they’d try to outdo themselves this year. Uh, not so much. Turns out, since I’m now completely mobile – and incredibly grabby – they elected not to put up a tree or anything this year. I guess they figured it wasn’t worth it to put up decorations that I would just break and/or chew on. They were, of course, 100 percent right.

But that’s not to say we didn’t get into the holiday spirit this year. We just took it on the road. Just like last year, Dad took me down to Alki Beach on Dec. 8 to see the Christmas Ships come sailing by. The following Friday night, we went to the Woodland Park Zoo to check out their Wildlights exhibit:

And on Dec. 18, we went with Mom’s family to Warm Beach for their “Lights of Christmas” light display. We froze our butts off, but it was totally worth it.

For Christmas itself, we were again on the road, spending Dec. 22-24 with Dad’s family in Kennewick, and Christmas Day and the day after with Mom’s family in Redmond. (Mom and Dad have worked out a nice system where we spend Christmas Day with one family one year, and then the other family the next year.) We had a wonderful time, although it was nice to spend the night in our own beds after several nights in guest beds/cribs. That said, foreign cribs can be fun: Here’s a video from Kennewick of Grandpa coming up with a new way to tire me out before bedtime:

There were plenty of other memorable moments from Christmas 2012. Here are some photos from our celebrations.

First, from Kennewick:

I'm quickly learning that it wouldn't be Christmas if Dad doesn't pick out some new pairs of Christmas pajamas for me.

Another Rose family holiday tradition: Lots and lots of eating. This I can get behind.

To answer your question -- yes, opening presents while wearing a pink tutu is just as fun as it looks.

I got into the gift-giving action by giving Grammy and Grandpa a book of all my blog posts from my first year. It's safe to say that it was a hit.

Now, on to Christmas Day in Redmond...

It's Christmas morning, and I'm in a state of wondrous shock at the sight of those presents. In case you were wondering, that's the second pair of Christmas pajamas that Dad bought me this year. He has a problem.

Judging by my expression, I'm apparently unimpressed by the notion of getting fruit for Christmas. You don't win friends with salad.

Looking tough on the Plasma Car that Ya-Ya and Grumps gave me.

I was even nice enough to give my cousin Brooklyn a lift.

Mom and Dad gave my cousin Jackson this astronaut helmet. By the end of the day, I think everybody had tried it on at least once...

...including Brooklyn...

...Ya-Ya...

...Auntie Sarah...

...and Uncle Ben.

Mom and Dad gave me this glockenspiel. I guess they figured, since I bang on enough objects around the house, they may as well cultivate some sort of musical ability.

Uncle Ben teaches me a few notes.

Dad got this awesome poncho, which will be perfect to wear during those late-season WSU blowout losses.

It's even big enough for both him and Mom!

I'm working on writing the Great American Novel entirely on a Magna Doodle.

Everybody pig pile on Mom!

Merry Christmas to all!

So yes, there's definitely something to be said for spending your Christmas on the road. And speaking of being on the road, we never went anywhere throughout December without Dad blaring Christmas music in the car. Thank goodness Christmas is over, because I’m not sure I could’ve taken one more verse of “Feliz Navidad.”

Happy Holidays, everybody! I'll see you in the New Year.