The McLaughlins: Catching up on Christmas

Christmas was a lot of fun this year, now that our little man is getting older and is able to understand what's going on more. He was really into all the Christmas lights, so we took a lot of walks around the neighborhood checking out our neighbors light displays, and we enjoyed a trip to the Oregon Zoo's gigantic display. Every morning, when we'd bring Gavin downstairs, he'd go up to our tree and say "turn da kissmiss on!" We also had a chance to eat breakfast with Santa at the Children's Museum, and Gavin did a lot better with Santa this year (I think reading all the Santa books to him beforehand did the trick). On Christmas Eve, we hung out at home, just the 3 of us, and Paul and I stayed up late assembling Gavin's train table. The next morning, we opened our presents, then drove to Salem for a late lunch and many more presents with the rest of my family. Olivia and Gavin LOVED opening their gifts and playing at Grandma's house, and the rest of us enjoyed some cuddles with the newest grandbaby, Ella. I'm really looking forward to next year, when Gavin will be old enough to do some more Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, and all that good stuff. Here are a load of pictures...