More Christmas Morning

Watch out world, HE GOT WHEELS!!

Checking out the scooter Santa brought.

Showing Daddy all the cool things on his new truck.

Christmas Morning

He got new balls from Beth on Christmas Eve. So, of course, he had to sleep with one. I swear we have more balls in this house than a ball factory!!

"Daddy, LOOK SANTA WAS HERE!!!"

"Wow! Daddy look at what he brought me!"



"A TRACTOR!!!"

Christmas Eve with Santa

He actually sat on Santa's lap!!!!
And he talked to him!!!
He told Santa he wanted a scooter and tractor.

Our nephew, Nate, telling Santa what he wanted.

Our nephew, Noah, telling Santa he wanted a Playstation 3 for Christmas.

Our local Lions Club folded up earlier this year after more than 50 years due to a seriously aging membership and lack of new members. The Lions club in the next town, took the remaining members under their wings. Fortunately, they agreed to continue our local club's Santa tradition. For the entire life of the club, several of the members have volunteered to visit children on Christmas Eve. So, every year I send an email to Santa requesting a visit. Who knew you could reach Santa on the world wide web?!?!?

His Very Own Elmo!!!!

You may recall from a previous post that Alex likes to snuggle with Ian's Elmo doll. So for Christmas, Amy and Jason got him his very own!!!

Christmas Presents with Amy and J

What is this big lumpy package?!?!?

Oh! That's kind of big, maybe I should stay back here by Daddy!!

Wait! This is pretty cool. I can make it walk, talk, roar and eat boulders!


And, I can make it walk over to Alex!

Thank you "Aunt Namy and Big J"!!

(FYI: We have already recharged the battery twice!!!)

Ian's Favorite Pastime

Ian's favorite pastime is reading books. (Thank God!!) He loves to look at his books, have them read to him and he tries to repeat the stories back to you. He doesn't seem to have a favorite, he just likes all of them.

Photo credit: Papaw took this great shot.

A New Way To Eat Grapes

Please take note of Ian's new method for eating grapes. Also, please notice that Papaw is encouraging this behavior!!!

First, you select a grape while sitting on your coloring.

Next, you carefully position the grape between your big toe and your second toe.

Then, you inspect the grape to ensure that it is correctly positioned.

Finally, you EAT IT!!

Grapes plus toe jam equals breakfast!!!!!

Explanation of Blue Arms

I said in Mark's birthday post that I would explain the blue arms Ian had in the picture. Ian has a great imagination. As you know, he likes to dress up in whatever he can get his hands on. He uses a green mat as his 'flying carpet' like Aladdin. He loves to the try walking around the house in my shoes. He pretends his blanket is a cape. Anyway, you get the picture.


So can you imagine how hard we laughed when he came out of his room the other day saying his swim diapers were "boxing gloves".

Yep, boxing gloves! Ever since the Olympics he has been interested in boxing and apparently swim diapers look like boxing gloves in his world. By the way, this is now a regular sight at the house. I can't wait to see what he adds to his ensemble next.

Because I Can!

A self portrait of Jason and Amy that I found on my camera.

I actually found several, but they were a little too close to J's nose (and snot) for my liking. But, when I found this one the other day, I knew I had a winner.

Love you guys!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!!!

Today is Mark's 43rd birthday and, as usual, he is on the other side of the world!!!

So, the best we can do is wish him a very Happy Birthday from our side of the world.

Mark,

Have a wonderful birthday today.

Enjoy your day in Paris without me you dirty dog!!

We love and miss you!

Daddy,

grfhjyt6rfjk8ut5rfyui90gyknnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnbhnbbnfv fffhhed,yhwhrjfgt.

Love, Ian

(Can anyone translate alien?!?!? I am sure it says Happy Birthday, I just don't know what else it says.)

(I will explain the blue arms in a later post.)

Hanging out with friends in UAE.
(Thanks for the picture, Frans.)

ALSO:

Today also marks the 3 year anniversary of the Campbell forever family day! Three years ago today, Sam, Andy and Cullen welcomed Kieren into their lives, as did we all. It's been 3 amazing years and I, for one, look forward to a million more!

That's a PIN Baby!!!

I know I told everyone that Alex got a medal at last weekend's wrestling meet, but I think posting a picture of the pin is way better! Understand that Alex struggled all last year trying to get his first pin. This year, he got 2 pins at his first meet!

Sorry the picture quality is so bad. For some reason my camera does not like taking pictures inside the gym. I did the best I could, but it's still grainy and dark. Sorry.

I am home

Short update because I have lots of drugs in me and I am not sure how much sense I can make right now.

I am home and in remarkably good shape. The DaVinci robot is the way to go. 1 night in the hospital, 4 little holes, can't lift for 1 week, off work for 2 weeks and little pain. I am still working off the effects of the surgery drugs so am not sure what tomorrow will bring pain-wise. But, I have been assured by the Dr. that it won't be bad. Sam, thanks for keeping everyone posted, but I will get you for adding that music to my blog!!!

Other news: Alex had his first wrestling meet today. He won both of his matches with pins. The second guy he wrestled weighed 50 pounds more than Alex and Alex still beat him!!! He is wrestling in the 205 class which allows for kids from 174 on up in weight. So there can be a big difference, but Alex prevailed.

Amy's son, Justin, was in an accident just a little bit ago. The car is totalled and he possibly has a head injury. He is awake but not answering questions. She and Jason are on the way to the hospital right now so I will keep you posted as I know more. Meanwhile, please say a prayer, chant, sing, dance, just do whatever you can. He is a only 18 years old with his entire life in front of him and needs all the help he can get.

Another Heather Update

Heather called me just a little before 7pm. She is fine. Her throat is a bit sore from surgery, but she's not doing too bad. The doctor kept her overnight, but not because of any issues. She will be home tomorrow!

Have a nice night!
Sam

Heather Update

Heather is out of surgery and in recovery. The doctor said they had to take everything on the left, the uterus (DUH!) and lots of nastiness. The right ovary is still intact, as is the appendix. Heather will be in recovery for a couple of hours. She may be able to come home later tonight if she can keep down dinner (Yum! Hospital food! GAG!!!), otherwise she will be spending the night at the hospital. I will update when I hear more!

See ya!
Sam

Ask A Toddler to Change Clothes, Take What You Get

The other day, I found Ian playing very peacefully under the Christmas Tree. I had some errands to run, so I asked him to get changed while I made quick phone call. Silly me, what was I thinking asking a toddler to change his clothes?!?!?



However, had I left him alone, I would never have gotten this.....

The boy loves the Santa hat!

Ian's Artwork

Ian and I colored this picture at church last Sunday. When we brought it home, he decided he needed to inspect our work. Funny faces follow....

Up close inspection.

Maybe that up close inspection wasn't such a good idea!

Cousins Part 3

Notice the mayhem in the background. When I walked in the door to pick up Ian, I could barely get in the door for all the 'stuff' that was on the floor. I had a really good laugh at how they destroyed my parents house. David and I would have never gotten away with that!!!

Getting a ride from Alex.