So this morning I was doing a little bargain hunting on Lands End Overstocks. It would seem this was rather vexing for dear Hayden since he appeared and then proceeded to linger about bumping my chair and going boneless in my lap. I can't even shop in peace from my sitting room people! He started out just fine working on his own lego projects until he realized I was also doing my own thing.
As my level of exasperation increased I asked him what his deal was. He squirmed about and announced "Mommmmmmmmeeeeeee, you are not paying enough attention to me and all of this computer work is making me feel EXCLUDED."
Two reactions from me. One, hooray for H articulating was he was feeling so that it could be addressed. Two, suck it up dude. You have been standing here for all of two minutes!
In the time I took to have those thoughts Hayden concluded that his feeble minded Mama must be confused. "Mommy - I said I feel excluded!
Do you want me to CLARIFY that for you? Excluded is when you are leaving somebody out and not paying enough attention to them. I want you to pay attention to me."
(I do realize the irony here - he wanted me off the computer and here I sit blogging about his need for attention. Thanks to Sesame Street I have a bit of time now.)
We struck a deal to take a computer break after Mommy looked at two more pages of clothes (NOTE: Boys Clothes not fun Mommy attire.) and then wandered off for a snack together.
And that is what I get for teaching him to ask for clarification with new words during story time. Sesame Street must be over because once again I have company on my lap....
Ahhh, what a beautiful Christmas tree. It could only be more spectacular if we could capture Jolly Old St. Nick during his visit... 
But wait! Here is Sir Hayden, ready to play the part! Not long before Christmas Hayden cooked up this snappy costume while playing in his room (and apparantly his closet) during his afternoon quiet time. What a hoot it was to see him when he appeared downstairs in his festive regalia. Michael and I were quite amused and Hayden determined that his get up should come along for Christmas Day at Ma and Pa's. He actually ended up making us wait a good chunk of the day before he determined that the time was right for Jr. Saint Nick to suit up.
Ever the detail guy, H even dug around until he found a belt and snowboots for his ensemble.
Our young reindeer wrangler took time to visit each of us and wish us a Merry Christmas. Festive and considerate - what a lovely combo!
All of that visiting must have worn Hayden Claus right out because he had to comandeer the stepstool for a quick rest before returning to his sleigh. Can't wait to see what next year brings!
I'm not sure if it was the sweets or the proximity to wrapped mystery boxes but Hayden and Bailey were chock full of holiday cheer and decked themselves out with the Santa hats that were lying about. I love the one of them whispering to each other by the tree. These two are already a force to be reckoned with on their own, we aren't sure the world is ready for them to form some kind of alliance!
The clock was ticking and it was time to get the goodies set out for our visitors from the North.
We headed out into the chilly evening to leave some cookies and milk for Mr. Claus and by some sort of Christmas miracle, Bailey managed to look but not touch (or consume) said goodies.
Next it was off to the front lawn where we were certain the reindeer would wait, since there was no chimney they hardly needed to perch on the roof! Bailey watched expectantly as she walked away from the plate of crunchy carrots for her four legged flying friends.
Ever the skeptic, Hayden had to give Santa's Magic Key a test drive just to be sure that his red suited benefactor would be able to make use of the front door. A brief discussion ensued on the logistics of magic keys and how they can only work for their intended user. Hmmm, I wonder how long we'll be able to keep that up?
Then it was off to bed for some much needed shut eye before the early morning unwrapping session began!
This party was jam packed with things for the kids to do. They made sticker nativities and Baby Jesus ornaments.
In the midst of all the crafting, we managed to find time to get a pic of Hayden and his best buddy from class.
Before the party wrapped up we managed to wrangle the cookie loaded kiddos together for a quick class photo then it was time to bid eachother a fond farewell and start our winter break!
