Merry Christmas

We had a nice, relaxing Christmas at home this year. We didn't have to drive anywhere and had family come to our house. The morning started bright and early with Madeline all excited to see if Santa came.

Here she is in her Christmas pjs ready to dive into the presents that Santa brought. She had asked Santa for 2 things. The first being a microphone. Ok. A microphone it is. The second was a Barbie. (I don't like barbies) But Santa found her a barbie-esque doll with pretty brown hair. She opened the gifts from Santa first and was totally underwhelmed. Heh. As a friend explained it to me. In her mind, she asked for something and she got it, no surprise there. Good Point!

She opened presents with Nana - including fairy activity books and stickers.

Something you all should know...do not tell Madeline a secret. Ron had taken Maddie and did a Daddy - Daughter day. It was super special. He took her to see Princess and the Frog where she got her own kids popcorn tray thingy at the theater. THEN they went out to Friendly's for lunch and ice cream and THEN went to the store to go shopping for Christmas presents for Mommy. Well, when I came home that day the first thing she said is that they got me shoes for Christmas. Shoes - do you like shoes. She's ask, Mommy do you think we got you shoes for Christmas? and then giggle with an infectious quality. There was a wrapped box under the Tree for me in the size and shape of a shoe box. She'd giggle and ask me over and over the next couple of days if I thought I was getting shoes for Christmas. Then, one day after she asked the question she said "It's not a scarf". Ron just rolled his eyes and couldn't help but laugh. When Maddie and I made Daddy's present we told him it was a jar of pickles which she thought was funny because he doesn't like pickles. I picked that because pickles is a funny word to say so hopefully she'd keep saying that instead of what it really was - heh.

She was super excited when Daddy opened the present she made for him...it was a decorated picture frame with a picture she drew of our family inside of it. Of course we kept telling him it was his jar of pickles! Boy was he surprised *grin*

She really enjoyed her Silvermist(her most favorite ever fairy) styling head and fairy wings. Please note that she is wearing the wings first thing in the AM with her pjs.

Maddie with her cousins playing horse. (still wearing her fairy wings, although now it's with a beautiful dress from Auntie Amy and Lily)

Molly took her turn too as the horse for Gavin. (and yes, still wearing fairy wings while playing her new Leapster2 with Aunt Kristy)

Cole has graduated to the adult table at Aunt Kim's house, which he enjoyed. The rest had a loud and boisterous time at their own little table. Next time Aunt Kim will think ahead and prepare their plates before having them sit down! Live and learn =) (Fairy wings while eating dinner - you betcha)

Much fun and frivolity was had by all, tons of presents all over the place.

Yup, our house isn't big enough for everyone to sit down and relax in one room *grin*

We did try to get a photo of all of the cousins together. There were multiple cameras going all at once - the poor kids didn't know which way to look. I love the look on Molly's face on this shot.

In looking back over the pictures, I've noticed that yet again, I'm not in one. I know Kristy took a picture of Maddie and I together - I'll have to get that one from her.