Christmas at the Ryons'

Since this was Caleb's first Christmas, I have way too many pictures for one post. So here's a recap of the first segment of our holiday.

We spent December 24-26 in Ottumwa with Luke's family. Christmas with the Ryons includes the Christmas Eve service (even though the singing of "O Holy Night" was missing this year), a retelling of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (from memory), stockings, vanocka (a braided bread pronounced von-e-shki by Luke's family), a gift exchange (only after the vanocka has been eaten), pictures of individuals with their Christmas loot, lots of really good food, peanut M & Ms, and playing with Christmas gifts (video games, puzzles, books, board games). Overall we had a very enjoyable and relaxing time. Thanks for hosting, Ray and Carol!

Caleb was really happy about his stocking. (Notice that it's bigger than he is.) He was even happier with the banana inside--his favorite fruit!

Caleb explored the gifts before the gift exchange started, and before he finished his vanocka!

One of Caleb's favorite gifts was a dinosaur plate, bowl, and cup set. He probably chewed on it for a good 30 minutes! Thanks, Uncle Paul!

Now Caleb and I can play duets! Thanks, Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Michael!

Caleb using his walker the way it was meant to be used. Thanks, Uncle Jason and Aunt Amanda!

Caleb using his walker "creatively."

And one of Caleb's favorites: a tonka truck. Right now I'm listening to Luke push Caleb up and down (and up and down...) the hallway on this truck.

And the icing on the cake: a pony.

As you can see, Caleb raked in the loot this Christmas--and this was only one side of the family! What can I say? We have very generous families.