Christmas spoils

I think I'll just let the pictures do the talking. And warning. There are a lot of pictures.

Pearl's loot: American Girl doll (the real one... Santa came through this year), American Girl dog, hopscotch rug, Aggie gear, Brave movie and Tag book, and girl Legos

Fern's loot: motorcycle, train set, car rug, Aggie gear and set of balls, sleeping bag, and Legos

The dog's loot: treats she has already eaten and a few toys she has already broken

Shared loot

My favorite part of Christmas morning? The traditional breakfast casserole, orange rolls, fruit, and OJ.  And getting breakfast/brunch guests throughout the day to help us eat it.

After Christmas morning at our house, we went over to our neighbor's. It's like Santa all over again with David and Vickie! A big riding dump truck and Letter Factory for Cole and another American Girl doll with a whole closet of accessories for Pearl. Oh and 30 lbs. of premium bones for Blu. Spoiled!

And then when you think we can't possibly squeeze anymore fun, family, and presents in, we headed over to my Aunt Julie and Uncle Bob's house for snacks and visiting with my Dad's side of the family. The kids had a blast playing Uncle Bob's drum set... which I am fearful will become the next Santa wish list item for years to come.

The only bad part about staying home for Christmas is the never ending cleanup. I'm not sure where to start....

Dear Santa

Growing up we always spent Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and pretty much the entire week until New Years at my Grandma's house. I can only remember one year being home with just my parents and siblings and I think I was 17. 

So it's a little weird for me still to have Christmas at home. And even weirder that I wanted to come home Christmas Eve and open presents with just us. We got home earlier than I thought we would so we popped some popcorn, watched the "It's Christmas Charlie Brown" movie, read a few Christmas books, and wrote Santa a note with a plate of goodies. 

Pearl was so, so, so excited about Santa coming. She made sure Santa new we'd left him a snack of cookies, hot chocolate, and cashews. The Santa key too... 'cause we don't have a chimney for him to come down. And counted out nine carrots one for each of Santa's reindeer. She also left two notes with her's and Cole's wishes on them. Just in case he'd forgotten.  

I wish you could push pause on this age when everything is magical. 

Santa sure knows a lot about us

Saturday we had three choices.

Go to the Ward Christmas Party and see Santa. And not cook dinner.

Stay home and more than likely fight. And go to the grocery store.

Or go to Logan for the USU men's basketball game and cheer on Danny Berger (who nearly died four days ago after his heat suddenly stopped at a practice). And go out to eat.

Two options resulted in little to no food choices for the remaining part of the weekend. And each kid wanted something different. 

So we split.

Girls went to the Christmas Party and boys headed to Logan to see "Big Boo" as Cole calls him. And no one went to the grocery store.

I was very impressed with the decor. Snowflakes made out of sparkly Popsicle sticks! Seriously. Stop the cuteness! I think I could even handle those. 

Pearl on the other hand was very impressed by Santa's knowledge of our family. Except for the slight mishap with her name... Santa was convinced her name was "Pickles" and not Pearl. That got a good giggle out of her! She told me afterward that Buddy the Elf must be going back to report to Santa every night because, "Santa sure knows a lot about us!"

When Santa asked Pearl what she wanted for Christmas, she eagerly told him, "An American doll and girl Legos." At least she is consistent... she's been asking for those two items for months. And is quick to remind us that Santa didn't bring her an American Girl doll last year and that she wants the REAL American Girl dolls. 

I hope Santa was taking notes.