4am To 7pm

The stockings were hung, the cookies and milk (and reindeer food) were put out. The kids went to bed without much trouble, although when I checked on Hannah a half hour later she said couldn't get to sleep because she was thinking about Santa Claus.


As the title infers, the day began for three of us at 4am. Ben was too excited - and a little worried - about Santa and presents and Christmas that he woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. So, as kids who can't get back to sleep do, he woke up Mommy and Daddy, too. After an hour of trying to get him back to sleep in our bed, it was clear that either two or three of us were going to be staying up.

So, Ben and I went down and confirmed that the cookies (and reindeer food) were eaten, the milk was drunk, stockings were filled and presents were delivered. Then I played a Wii game hoping Ben would fall asleep on the couch next to me. No such luck.


After two hours of asking, "Is it time to open presents yet?" the answer was finally, "Yes." And it was all worth it.

Apparently, Ben's early year niceness outweighed his late year naughtiness because he got the one thing he has been clamoring for since the toy ads came out: Dr. Bones!


Hannah, who we were much less worried about, got an "American Doll." Actually it's an Our Generation doll; but either way, Hannah thinks she's just perfect.


Jefferson was generally more interested in playing with the toys that were already opened than examining the ones still in the box, but he made out pretty well; and no wonder since he was the best behaved of the three this year.


At the end of the day, the best part is spending time with family and watching their faces light up when they unwrap the perfect gift.


But, the presents are nice, too. Oh, and the food, of course. And staying in your pajamas all day.

Anyway, Merry Christmas. We hope yours was as wonderful as ours!

Update: The excitement finally gave way to exhaustion at 7pm - 10 minutes before the end of The Polar Express. I guess we'll do his bath in the morning.

'Tis the Season...

It's a very merry Christmas season going on up at our house! We've been very busy getting ready for Christmas. Here are some of the things we've been doing.

Building the biggest snowman on the street, what else are we supposed to do with all this snow!

Eating A LOT of candy, chocolate, suckers, cookies, sugar, everything.

Baking, more of the above. I have a new helper this year, he can see when he stands on the stool, and is a very good boy.


There's other things going on too: we are officially done with shopping, the letter to Santa has been mailed, parties are done, Polar Express and Rudolph have been watched several times. The list could go on, but you get the idea. And we still have one more week of all this fun!
We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Snowed In

We know you've all been wondering how bad it is up here, so here's the picture.
It's been snowing non-stop since Saturday evening and won't stop till Thurs afternoon. We have about four feet, and still counting.

Every day but today I've had to venture out in this, with the kids in tow. But today the school district wisened up and schools are closed. The kids are enjoying it,even Jefferson. He's really in the Holiday spirit. He loves "Sita" (Santa), singing snowmen, and all the sparkling lights everywhere.

We're certainly guaranteed a white Christmas, hope the same for you!

Fish People

We have announcement to make: we are now officially "Fish People". Some people like dogs, some like cats, snakes...etc. Well, since there is really no way you can be allergic to fish (that we know of) this is for us.



Now if only they would stay alive.