A Bright Christmas

Since this is most likely our last Christmas in Seattle, we stayed right here at home this year. It wasn't a white Christmas, but was the next best, sunny and bright. Christmas was unique this year not only because we stayed at home. We shared it with the Hammill's: Adam's Grandparents, dad, and brothers. This was a dream-come-true Christmas for Adam. It made me happy because he was so happy to be here. It felt complete, even though we really missed having our other family with us... Bonnie, Leo, Grandma Jean, my mom, dad, etc. The best part about this Christmas was seeing the joy in Atticus. He may not fully understand Christmas and Santa, but he definitely knew it was a special day. For the record, he cared more for his actual presents than he did the toy boxes!

Check this off as being his "scared of Santa" stage. Atticus wasn't happy when I stepped out of the sleigh. He had just had his second H1N1 shot before the pic was taken.

Atticus is a super big fan of Thomas the Train, so I found this ride-on Thomas for $40.00 at Toys R' Us, I knew exactly what Santa was bringing him this year! He loves it and knew exactly how to ride on it.

We both have the "just woke up" look.

He is a smart boy at 18 months and got the hang of ripping the paper to get to the toy. He looks like he's wearing festive Ugg boots with leggings.

We loved having Sara with us this Christmas. Santa even brought her a little something straight from our home state-Bumpits! Now she can sport box hair whenever she's home sick!

Atticus disappeared for a while as we were opening our presents. I found him in the Kitchen eating the Costco chocolate cake from the night before. How could you ever get mad at this face?!

After opening presents at home, we drove to Bremerton to the Hammill's. Santa had also made a stop for Atticus over there. He knew exactly what to do with the bows.

He got Sid and Super WHY from his favorite PBS TV shows.

All four Hammill men together again.

Adam made a gourmet meal for us on Christmas Eve. The menu was Fettucine Alfredo with fresh spinach pasta, herbs, and clams from the market.

Atticus usually hates wearing hats and rips them off within seconds of them being on. He sure liked this Cookskin hat from his grandpa.

Atticus provided the evening entertainment while we waited for his dad to finish the meal.

Atticus & Great Grandma Marjorie Hammill

To me, Christmas just isn't complete without homemade, sugar cookie cutouts with butter cream frosting.