Christmas Magic

Christmas was wonderful this year. We were invited to spend Christmas Eve with Brent's family at his Grandma Betty's house. We enjoy seeing extended family, visiting, and of course there is the food. There is usually a visit by a very special guest....Emmy wasn't scared of Santa one bit. She sat on his lap jabbering, jumped off, and proceeded to steal a candy cane and run across the room shouting, "Hunter, candy!" She's so tenderhearted and shares with everyone. (Keeps us on our toes too!)I thought this was cute of the kids watching (or not watching) the little program this year. 2 were entertained, and 2 were entertaining themselves. Goofs!Not wanting Santa to miss us, since we put our tree downstairs for the first time, Hayley had several notes posted, starting at the fireplace, to the stairs (where this was) to the tree. In case you cant see it well, it says "Please come this way, thank you. Signed Hayley, Emmy and Hunter. We will be sure to keep this for her book. What a cutie!There is nothing Emmy loves more than Winnie the Pooh. It was the first thing she saw and she has played endlessly with this toy. It also doubles for Pony and little Pet Shop parties. What a mix. I've never seen so many little parts. Both girls will love them.The most exciting find of the day was Emmy's stocking. She had quite the choke-hold on it all morning. We sat to open stockings, Emmy saw skittles, and that was it for her. She kept pulling other "treats" out completely amazed at the never ending goodie bag. It was a lost battle to get her to open presents. It was a good thing that Santa doesn't wrap his presents. Isn't it true that children are just as happy with the simple things? Hunter had a very specific list this year. Brent and I were hard pressed to find some items on his wish list. He is opening his Nerf-Vulcan. Little did we know it has serious fire power. It loads like a machine gun, and shoots the darts super fast. Heads up to any trespasser! Watch out! He also got a super cool scooter from Grandma and Grandpa Schoppmann, and is frequently scooting around the house. On the tile, it sounds like a freight train. Instant Headache. :) It must be instinctive, Emmy can already talk and drive. Two of her favorite things, a phone and a dolly. She is such a girly-girl.Hayley is so easy to please. I think she loved everything she opened. Little Pet Shop, Ponyville, Easy-bake oven (thanks... Santa) and endless art supplies for the labor intense artist.We were lucky again this year to have my mom stay with us. She was such a sport, and the kids loved having her there. She is always happy to help, and truly enjoys my children. Thanks mom!We are always well fed, and this year was no exception. Mitch and Gaona had us over for dinner, and obviously Emmy was very pleased. What a goofy grin.Comfy and Cozy on a cold, snowy Christmas. With all of their energy used up, the kiddies crashed to watch Horton Hears A Who. I loved this moment because I remember watching movies with my cousins, all of us piled in my parents bed. It is fun to watch my children making their own memories.
We hope you had a Christmas as wonderful as ours.