Auld Lang Syne

I'll admit, I don't even know what Auld Lang Syne means.  I hope it means, "it's gonna be a great year," because that's what we could all use.  So far it's off to a decent start, considering I don't have to go back to work until Friday.  Let me apologize in advance for all of the pictures on the blog this week.  Believe it or not, I actually left some photos out, even though you probably can't tell.  I guess I'll start with a quick (sort of) Christmas recap.  We've gotten to spend lots of time with our family and friends over the past two weeks.  Mom and I tried to take John Thomas to the mall to meet Santa and ride the train.  Meeting Santa was a flop.  John Thomas refused to get anywhere near the jolly old guy, so I guess we'll have to try again next year.  On the other hand, the train was a total hit.  He loved riding around in it so much that I had trouble getting him off the train when the ride was over.  If I'm being honest, he threw a fit in the middle of the mall, including rolling around on the mall floor.  I don't plan on going back to the mall with him anytime soon, for fear someone will recognize us. 

My parents came in and stayed the better part of a week.  He had so much fun playing with Gramma and Poppy and I know they had a blast hanging out with him!

Of course, Poppy was in charge of assembling all the Christmas fair, including a bus-slide.  John Thomas was able to play on his slide early, since my parents weren't able to be here Christmas morning.  He loves it!

As you can tell from the picture, he cheers himself on between each round of sliding.  He is such a mess and he knows it.

This is what our tree looked like on Christmas morning.  Santa did an excellent job this year in delivering a perfectly assembled (thanks Poppy) table and chairs set.

And when John Thomas woke up to Grandma Molly, Grandpa Danny, Daddy, Mommy, Chester and toys, he was a very happy boy!

 I think the caption on the picture below might be something like, "this is the best morning ever!"

 He didn't waste anytime digging into his stocking.

 It had a few of his favorite things, including Goldfish, bubbles and Playdoh.

 After the stocking, it was time for round two: the presents.

John Thomas got his first dump truck.  It cracks me up that he knew exactly what to do with it when he opened it.  He just dropped his bubbles in the back and took them for a spin.

The "wisest" toy he got was a stuffed owl from his Aunt Theresa.  He gave it a big hug right after he got it out of the box.  He is such a sweetie!

The grandparents must know him all too well, because they got him what is sure to be one of his favorite Christmas books, Bear Stays Up.  In case you missed it, notice the toilet in the background.  Daddy picked it out, and I'm sure it had to be the best throne on the market.  It might even have a bidet.  Wish us luck in our potty training efforts this year.

I wasn't sure if he'd take a nap or not, but he did.  And when that lucky boy woke up, the other set of grandparents were back in town to greet him. 

This boy is crazy about all of his grandparents and they are crazy about him!  Watching their faces light up, brings me so much joy. 

One of John Thomas' Christmas gifts from Mommy and Daddy was a four wheeler.  Although this is about as close as he gotten to riding it thus far.  Our boy is just not a risk-taker at all.  I am very thankful for this personality trait even though he definitely didn't get it from me. 

It's funny what kids think of when they don't know the function of something.  To me, it is clearly a beach bucket.  To him, it's clearly a fashionable, yet durable green hat.

After Christmas, I had the chance to go to Birmingham and meet the newest McCain, Marren Emma.  Stephanie and Tommy are doing great!  They are all adjusting to their new schedules, but it's obvious that their home is full of love.  Is it me, or is Marren smiling for the camera?  I know that 2012 will be such a fun-filled year for them and I hope and pray that it is a blessed year for all of you too.