Christmas at Home, Canonsburg, PA (December, 2007)

When Ryder came downstairs and saw the Dora house, he got so excited. He kept stomping his feet really fast and running into and out of the tent. It was hard to get him to come and start opening his other presents. He had so much emotion and excitement in his little body that he couldn't sit still at all. It was fun for Eliza and I to witness such excitement...it made our Christmas.

"Mo Pwesents!" Sawyer was so excited to see so many presents waiting for her under the tree. As she opened them, she had to decide whether to open up the toys and play with them or to set them aside and find out what else was waiting for her inside the wrapping paper. Obviously, she couldn't wait to see what else she was getting, so that anticipation won out, but It was fun to see her struggle with this decision when she opened up some of her favorites (Barbie Island Princess, and the princess Polly Pockets).

New costumes! Sawyer as princess Jasmine and Ryder as a knight. We made sure that we got a few "boy costumes" as Ryder was getting a little too excited about wearing Sawyer's princess dresses, wigs, and shoes when they played dress-up. He can now dress up as a policeman, a pirate, or a knight instead of having to be Cindarella or Snow White.

It didn't take Ryder long to realize that as soon as he ripped through the annoying wrapping paper, a fun prize was waiting for him inside. After each present he opened he would hold it in the package for a few seconds, then bring it to me and say "Open...Play". It was fun to see him enjoy each and every gift. In a year or two he'll understand a little more and want to get to the other presents before he opens any of them to play with.