Christmas

Christmas came with a whole lot of craziness this year. We closed on our new house just four days before Christmas and only found out that we were for sure closing a couple days before that. So it was filled with moving boxes, moving boxes and more moving boxes. We got the big stuff into our new house the day before Christmas Eve and Rob went over the night before and set up a Christmas tree. Ava was thrilled because I had calmed her previous concerns about Santa not finding us by telling her that Santa can find anyone that puts up a Christmas tree. So amidst half unpacked boxes and completely bare bedrooms we had our first Christmas in what hopes to be our home for the long haul.

Ava spent much of the moving days playing in this "secret closet" under the stairs.

Ava's first gingerbread house

Ornaments: shiny AND tasty!

Sewing on Christmas Eve. Procrastinator!

Rob was on wrapping duty

I realized I have no pictures of Charlotte unwrapping presents because she was not very interested in the whole process.  We did take video but no pictures.  Guess that's what happens with number two, poor thing.

Santa Claus

Ava's preschool had Santa come in one morning before school started so I took the girls for a visit. Charlotte got plopped in Santa's lap and Ava stood as close as I could get her. Both acted a little like I was putting them near the boogeyman but I got pictures anyway.

I'm not sure what Santa said but apparently it didn't please Ava

Ava's Letter to Santa

(Dictated by Ava. Written by Mom.)

Dear Santa-
I want a real doggy.  And a pillow pet. I've been a good girl. I love crayons. I love pink, yellow & purple. You have to be reverent.  I've been loud a little bit. I want two stuffed animals. I want Charlotte to have a real new baby that makes noise and jumps.
From
Ava


Dear Santa-
Ava wants a dog and I want a maid.  I fear we are both going to be disappointed.  Ava would like a pilow pet of the lady bug variety.  I would like a pillow of the magic variety that allows me to wake refreshed and energized every morning despite the fact that my sleep was interrupted 12 times between 10 pm and 7 am.  Ava loves crayons.  Can you get her the kind that scrubs easily off grout. And walls. And clothing.  And do they make stuffed animals that sing children to sleep? If so, I'll take two of those.  And how about a machine that folds and puts away laundry.  With all the advances made in toys over the years you'd think your elves could figure that one out.  All the best.  I'll put out extra cookies for the reindeer.
From
Abby