2008: construction paper, glue, paper shape cutting lackeys

2008: construction paper, glue, rice, general mayhem

2008: construction paper, felt, crepe paper, glue and glue assistant

The Wetzstein Gang and the Arnold Gang (my sister, her husband, and dog, Ally McBeagle) celebrated Christmas this year at my parents’ house in Groveland, Illinois, just outside of Peoria. It was, to steal a phrase, a PRESENT-PALOOZA!!!

Yes, the number of presents under the tree was insane. No snide comments about rampant consumerism, please. There is a child in the house, after all.

Aunt Wendy was kind enough to assist Gabe in unwrapping his presents, and he received his pointy little heart’s desires. First… drumroll, please… A DUMPTRUCK!

And so we drive…..

And drive…..

Gabe is a hardcore fan of Little Einsteins, and was literally trembling when he pulled aside the wrapping paper and saw “Rocket!”

Playing with Rocket takes a great deal of concentration. Note the tongue hanging out of the mouth.

Aunt Wendy and Uncle Roger bought Gabe some outrageously cool substance called Moonsand. Gabe had his own wee sandbox in the house, made a sandcastle, and then populated it with dragons, knights, and a beautiful princess. Aunt Wendy told stories about everyone having sandwiches for lunch together in the castle…

It was all EXCELLENT.

And when you’re Gabe, the day is only fittingly topped off by dancing naked with your family to…. what else? “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts.

Later, back at home, Gabe relived the entire Christmas experience by yes, dancing naked, then running all over the house with his dumptruck in nothing but a smile and Uncle Roger’s Santa hat. (Thanks, Roger!)

It doesn’t get any better than that. God has blessed us. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Last Saturday night, after wrapping up our stint as Salvation Army bell ringers outside the local Walmart, Tracey and I took Gabe for a swing through their rather overwhelming toy department. There were lots of things to look at, but a big yellow Tonka dump truck really caught Gabe’s eye. He was cool with just looking, but we could tell that it had his attention.

Later that night, as we were driving home, we hear from the back seat, “Hey! I’ve got an idea!”

“Oh yeah?” I replied, “what’s your idea?”

“A dump truck!”

A reputable source (the OTHER boy who lives in my house) tells me that the laying on the floor position while playing either trains or cars is optimal, and indicates the highest level of absorption and focus on the task at hand. I think it looks uncomfortable. But then, I’m a girl.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Kids STILL pore over toy catalogs around Christmas time!

Here’s a good idea. Take one toddler, with a really, really full belly, and do this…

Don’t worry. No toddlers were harmed in the making of this posting. And he didn’t even toss his turkey!

Gabe has decided that the best way to cap off a successful bath is by dancing in the buff in the living room. His favorite song is from the movie “Cars”- Life is a Highway, by Rascal Flatts. He even knows where to sing the “Woooooooo!” I’m going to blackmail him with the video when he’s 16.