I Still Want a Hula Hoop

After a few run ins with some odd-looking Santa stand-ins, we were fortunate that the real deal came for Christmas:

I can assure you that this year mommy wasn't kissing Santa Claus.

As we got to the gifting, the excitement at the Curtis residence was palpable:

Just hope that someday your kids get this excited over a book.

Topher was a lot more animated than last Christmas.

Santa apparently learned that if it has wheels, Topher will love it.

The day wasn't without an incident or two. First there was a monkey attack:

Fortunately, a monkey Pillow-Pet attack is a relatively harmless event.

And then a zombie showed up:

A present or two was all it took to neutralize this threat.

At the Huffs, Topher was warmed up and in fine present opening form.

Santa's onslaught of wheeled items continued:

This one played music, which in our family we refer to as a double whammy.

Overall it was a good Christmas and we'd like to thank all the Santa's out there (Cotton ball bearded ones included).

Ramping up for the Holidays

As I mentioned in the last post, after our early Christmas it was time for us to set out for Christmas vacation in Utah.

I'm not sure where we are at this point, but the landscape looks about as varied as Nebraska.

Topher did great on the flight. He slept quite a bit and ate for the rest of the time.

This smile brought to you by Honey Grahams.

Once we got a little sleep it was time to get right to work. Visiting Santa was early on the agenda.

Topher was a little weirded out that Santa showed up in his pajamas.

As was visiting the lights at Temple Square.

Topher actually slept through most of our visit there. Not bad for it being freezing and windy. He is his father's son.

But, even with all of the things to do, we have had some moments of down-time.

He hasn't learned to stick it in his mouth afterwards, fortunately.

We spent the last two nights at family Christmas parties.

Topher didn't get the popcorn popper as a gift. He actually stole it from another kid.

The parties have been good practice with opening presents as well as making a mess of the wrapping paper.

Nothing like wallowing in wrapping paper to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Topher has enjoyed all the attention he is receiving. He's been showing off his dancing and stand-up routines, as well as learning some new tricks:

Here is a link if the video doesn't work.

Christmas in (Early) December

Because we are getting better at learning from our mistakes, we decided this year that we would rather not lug all of our gifts to Utah and then bring them right back. Instead, we decided to drop a line for Santa and let him know that we'd be having an early Christmas.

Topher was pretty pleased with the idea.

So, the Sunday before we left for Utah we started doling out the gifts.

"I'll take the bow, you can keep the rest."

Topher seemed a little less enthusiastic about the books than we had hoped.

"This is bogus."

But he quickly cheered up once the basketball hoop (Thanks Grandma!) and Speed Racer Hot Wheels track (Thanks Toys R' Us!) came out.

This is how they used to help John Stockton dunk it, too.

Topher didn't get to have all the fun though. I got more merchandise from my personal hero:

If this is your first time reading the blog, that means Ringo Starr.

As did Megan:

And if you know Megan, you no doubt know that that means Chuck Norris.

After opening presents, all we had to do was to pack up and get ready to go to Utah.

That pack of cards should serve him well during the flight.

We'll bring you coverage of the flight and our adventures in Utah in coming posts. In the meantime, enjoy this picture of Topher watching March of the Emperor Penguins:

Join your friends, little penguin!