Christmas in Maine

I'm behind; you'll have to make do with the highlights. :)

Little Matty with Uncle Scott (a.k.a., the NapMaster 2009)

Ben showing Grampy how to open a package
A well-loved gift, the duck named Max who came with a coordinating book. Abel opened his earlier, so he was showing Ben the ropes. :)
Interrupting Ben while he peruses his talking activity book from GG
Grandma Zoe and Matt
One of the big(ger) family shots
Both boys had a great Christmas in Maine. Ben especially enjoyed playing with Gram's mini Christmas tree (the video below of him "counting" Christmas ornaments is at her house) and her cash register. At Uncle Dan's house, he was thrilled with DJ... the dog who was afraid of everyone. Ben loved to look at him, tell him "hello" and "goodbye," and toss him treats. They even shared a room during naptimes a couple times. Speaking of naps, Ben made us very proud, napping in three different locations the week of Christmas. We inflated and deflated a twin-size air mattress twice a day all week long... sigh. He was a champ!

The nice thing about Matt is that he doesn't really care who is holding him. It gave Ben some much-needed transition time when we'd enter a new place or encounter some different people. Matt stole the show for a few minutes, and Ben had a chance to warm up. The little guy also did well in the napping department, a gift that was not lost on either of his parents. :) The trip home was a nightmare for our younger son (and we were so sure it'd be BEN who made life difficult!), but Happy Matty has returned. Thank goodness!