Visiting Gaga

On Sunday after Christmas, we loaded up and hit the road to go visit Gaga. This would be Karsten's longest car ride to date, so I was prepared with a bevy of snacks and activities to keep him occupied. We had the portable DVD player and I was armed with Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Sesame Street. After the first 4 hours, we had played with most of the toys and watched a few of the DVDs. I was worried for the remainder of the drive, but he was able to take a nap, which always helps the time fly, and play with all the toys one more time once he woke up.

Karsten was very excited to be out of the car once we arrived; however, he wasn't sure about all of these people. He wouldn't let Scott put him down for a few minutes, but then he started to warm up to everyone. After he had a clean diaper and a full tummy from dinner, he was in a much better mood and was ready to open presents.

I made Gaga a 2011 calendar of Karsten. Hopefully she'll keep her promise and actually use it - but I know there is no chance that she will write on it. :)


As soon as we arrived, Uncle Kevin wanted Karsten to open his present. He knew that Scott and I would love it. I have a feeling he is going to get Karsten many presents which Karsten will LOVE and Scott and I will loathe. If the toy is noisy, has lots of parts or is annoying in any fashion, Uncle Kevin will find it and get it for Karsten. :)

Check out the super cool metal tonka truck - I haven't seen a metal tonka truck in ages! I see this truck being a favorite toy for a long time! The bag of balls that Uncle Kevin is showing to Karsten contains 100 small plastic balls. They are each about 3 inches in diameter - imagine the size of ball you would find in a ball pit. LOL. Karsten thought it was the coolest - they got out a bunch of balls to put in the back of the dumptruck, then dump them out. When we left, we made sure to get all 100 of the balls, Uncle Kevin promised if we left any behind, he would be sure to send them to us...along with 100 more balls!! Kidding aside - Karsten loves balls so much, this gift will get tons of use!


Karsten was giving his other present from Uncle Kevin and Aunt Nancy a spin. This police car has a variety of real (loud) sounding sirens you can play with a push of a button.


Karsten loved everything! Even after the long car ride, we were excited to be celebrating Christmas with Gaga, Uncle Kevin and Aunt Nancy and my cousin Michael.