Christmas with Great Granny

Holden, my mom, and I visited my Granny (Mom's mom) at her place in Eureka, IL on Wed. We had already sent each other's gifts so that we had them to open on Christmas, but Granny saved her gift for Holden so that she could watch him open it. She got him the cutest little wooden boy named "Joey." He is the boy version of paper dolls; you can put magnetic boots/shoes, pants, tops, and hats on to transform him into a policeman, construction worker, firefighter, pirate, etc. Holden doesn't have anything like it and he loves him! He'll say, "Let's change Joey, Mommy!" She also got him some fun little trucks that you can pull back and release across the floor.

An annual tradition when we visit Granny for Christmas time is to light the candles on her tree. I know I have pictures of this on the blog from last year. When she was growing up, this was common practice. We always have a pan of water on hand and snuff them out very quickly after they're lit. :)

Holden just couldn't believe we were doing this! He didn't remember it from last year. This year he was very aware of what fire is and was fascinated but kept his distance.

He also insisted we sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus when we lit the tree. To him, all candles are associated with birthdays. He knew whose we were celebrating! :)

Holden thought he was hot stuff when he got to help Great Granny snuff the candles out! Love the concentrated look with the tongue. :)

Some pictures of Mom, Granny, and me. Granny got us the prettiest necklaces that are made locally. Mine was pink/Mom's purple. They hang from ribbon and are glass with a flower inside. Mine got cut off in these pictures but I just love it!

We enjoyed a yummy lunch and Granny's homemade cupcakes with vanilla, orange, or coconut frosting for dessert. Holden was in heaven because she makes sure to load the frosting on top! I wish I would have taken a picture of him eating his, but I was too busy making sure he didn't demolish her pretty tablecloth! :) Thanks for a fun day, Granny! We loved visiting!