a 3-year-old's rendition of Deck the Halls.
She tends to grab onto one line of a song and sing it over and over and over again. Imagine "Have a holly jolly Christmas", or "Joy to the world!" sung 10 times over. It is entertaining. And I love that she has caught onto so many Christmas songs this year.
Okay, on to Christmas . . . .
the "wow" present
Santa always leaves one present under the tree that is unwrapped. Usually the gift that kids have been hoping/wishing for the most. The one that gets the "I'm so excited my head is going to explode" reaction. (And these pictures were taken after all the gift-opening, so everyone has returned to a calm & rational state).
A razor scooter for Conner. Hot Wheels stunt tracks for Payton. And a table & chairs set for Anna. (She didn't necessarily know she wanted this, but Santa did).
first choice
I always think it's so interesting to see which is the first toy the kids choose to play with after all the dust settles.
For Payton it was the Transforming Wall-E. This kid loves Wall-E. Books, the DVD, always imitating the voices & sound effects, and now a toy. For weeks I've been getting the almost daily request, "Moo-oom, can I get Wall-E for my birthday?" Never mind Christmas, he's already thinking ahead to his February birthday.
Conner was shocked to open this little electronic game (Rapid Math Facts) from Santa. Especially because we had told him last month that he could not purchase it at the book fair -- books only. He was not very happy with us. "I can't believe that Santa knew I wanted this!"
Scott and Anna enjoying a little brunch right after breakfast. She spent a lot of the day fussing over her table & chairs, moving around the plates and silverware, trying to serve tea to us (but we'd turn her away and ask for lemonade or water instead), and setting up picnics for herself & Sleeping Beauty.
sibling gift exchange
speaking of Sleeping Beauty . . . .
This year we had the kids choose a gift for one other sibling. Conner made Anna's year when he chose this singing Sleeping Beauty doll (and it was the last one in the store!). She carried that doll around all day, sang with her, danced with her, and I don't know how many times we heard "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream, But if I know you, I'll know what you do, you'll love me at once, the way you did once, upon a dream." Or sometimes it's, "I - I - I - know you, I - I - I know, I - I know you , I . . . " One morning we were laying in bed at 6:30 and heard the "I know you" begin playing in the quiet darkness. Needless to say, Anna is in heaven with her "sleeping beauty girl".
the mom present
One of the most entertaining parts of Christmas for me (and Scott) is "what are the kids going to pick for mom this year." Scott takes them to the store and they get to choose. Mostly on their own. There have been wallets, and treasure chests, and "diamond" jewelery in years past. This year Payton chose a thermos mug for my hot chocolate (very thoughtful). Anna chose a really funky decorative mirror that she was sure I needed for getting ready in the morning. And Conner . . . . his takes the cake. I peeled back the wrapping paper to find Aqua Globes. Immediately Conner said, "On TV it says that it's the perfect gift!" Oh my, it was a priceless moment.
weather report
We had a lot of big fluffy flakes falling through lunchtime.
Then at 3pm the sun came out and right and left icicles were falling off the house. Pretty exciting.
moms & dads get to have fun too
I got Scott the Season 7 of Star Trek Voyager which includes his all-time favorite episode. As he selected "Endgame" on the DVD menu he said, "I'm getting chills." And the personal soundtrack shirt (which is sure to feature the Darth Vader theme music) hasn't arrived yet, but got a very good reaction.
Look what my brother Mason gave me!
It's the cloth scroll poster so it's got some pretty cool unfurling action.
I love this adorable apron from my in-laws
And the gift that will change my use of flash and the visual content of this blog forever . . . .
A Canon Digital Rebel XSi! Seen here with the kit lens and it's little buddy the 50mm f/1.8is close by. With the help of gift cards I've already got a camera bag and strap on their way. I'm so excited! Now, I just have to learn how to use it! :)
okay, I'm starting to realize that this post is going on forever . . . . . bottom line, we had a great Christmas. Everyone got something they wanted, it was the whitest Christmas ever, the Christmas morning rolls were perfect, and it was just plain nice to have the entire day to relax and spend time together. 'Tis the season to be jolly.
