A Special Gift

Two years ago we were given a special gift from some special friends. It was a figurine of a women caroling which was amazingly enough made in Pennsylvania. Dan and I thought it would be fun to take a trip to where these are made and sold, so we could add to the collection before we move away from the East coast. The store is Byer's Choice, and I was amazed at how cute and quaint it was. When you walk in you really take a step back in time. I can't imagine as a kid how fascinating it is to see these mock up stores and all the figurines placed just so in their little villages. Sam kept reaching his hand out just wanting to grab one of them to play away.

The skinny:

The late 1960's Joyce Byers, an amateur artist with a degree in fashion design, was disappointed in what she was seeing in the stores: aluminum tinsel trees with garish blue lights. She was looking for holiday decorations with warmth that showed respect for timeless traditions and her own memories of Christmas.

"A scrap of fabric, part of my mother's old fur coat, some hair from the kids, a coat hanger, some plaster and paint. The first ones were made with simple things around the house." She dressed them in plaids and made them cheerfully singing because that reminded her of Christmas." She adorned them on her table and she received compliments from relatives. She then gave them as Christmas gifts. Then a neighbor suggested to sell them and her new business flourished from there.

With Sam's fascination with hats, we had to step into one of the shops and sneak a picture of our family wearing some fun hats. And of course, we like to just be silly.

This is our collection so far. The women was the gift from our friend's the Nortons. We chose the daddy holding nutcrackers because Dan always brings home nutcrackers from his trips to Germany. The boy holding toys represents Sam, and the Saint Lucia we bought as an extra because they have always been special to me. Both Dan and I have Swedish ancestors, and I was born on December 13th, which is known as Saint Lucia day in Sweden. I am pretty much a big deal over there (ha ha).

Sam's First Friend Birthday

This was Sam's first birthday party to attend, so I thought it would be worthy to document.

Kerith is our neighbor who Sam plays with outside when the weather is inviting, and his mom is also my walking partner. Kerith just turned 3 and invited Sam and two other neighborhood friends to his party. Across from Sam is Bryce and next to Sam is our neighbor Sam.

Kerith the Birthday Boy!

Bryce and Sam

Sam Loves Babies?

We pulled out a Toy Story video one day thinking Sam may like it. There was also a short story about a baby and a tin soldier. We had no idea, but Sam loved it! Every time he saw the baby do something he would laugh. Luckily I caught it on my camera phone.

The Results of My Addiction to Facebook

So, I guess while my time is spent being reacquainted with friends on Facebook, Sam's is catching up on all his reading material. This happened not once but twice!!