Ivan's First Christmas - Trees, Lights, and Train Rides

This year we got to experience and see Christmas through the eyes of a cute little almost-one-year-old. Everything was so much fun. 

From putting up our Christmas tree, lights, and decorations...

...to sitting on Santa's lap for the very first time.

Twice!

We spent most of Ryan's break from school in Colorado visit with Ryan's family. 

Ivan loved being around all of his aunts uncles and cousins and he got incredibly good at waving! 

Oh how I LOVE his cute little wave! 

We made the 9 hour trip to Alamosa, leaving in the afternoon. Luckily Ivan slept the entire second half of the ride. We arrived just before 2 AM, and as we arrived Ivan woke up and oh boy was he excited to be there! He ran into the family room and started pointing at everything on sight - 

but mostly the lit up Christmas tree. 

It was especially amusing since he was extremely tired and was falling all over the place.

But he kept getting right back up to check everything out.

Our sister-in-law, Jessica, works on a train that did a special Polar Express type deal for Christmas.

We got to go for free. Sweet!

It was a bit hard to get a clear picture - it was a bumpy ride!

Ryan's young brother Scott worked on the train too.

He was an elf.

(Looking good Scott!)  

Ivan got a train whistle from Santa!!

Oh man, it was sure cute to watch this little boy try to blow the whistle.

He would first hand it to us. And we would blow it.

Then he tried with all his might to blow it. Resulting lots of spit everywhere.

Ivan had so much fun with all of his 

cousins, aunts and uncles, and Grandma and Grandaddy!

Here he is hanging out with his cousin Elizabeth at dinner.

(I think they look a little bit alike. What do you think?)

Ivan loved sitting on Grandaddy's lap.

In case you can't tell.

More to come - 

all about Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!