Christmas 2013

Turns out the girls must have been pretty good this year after all. Santa left lots presents galore, stuffed stockings, drank his (almond) milk, and devoured the appendages of various gingerbread men cookies. 

We rushed down the stairs in anticipation.

Elle's big requests this year were Magnatiles and Schleich animals that she had played with at a friend's house. Don't let the small boxes fool you-- these modern building "blocks" are ridiculously expensive. But well worth the investment, resulting in hours of independent play. And for a mom who has a low tolerance for her 5-year-old's incessant demands that begin with "Mommy, pretend that..." and end with various very specific and tyrannical instructions which are never acceptably executed, an actual activity would be worth pretty much any price. 

Elise loved the Little People North Pole house, but kept asking me (with palms up in quizzical gesture), "Where baby sheesus (Jesus) go?" So we got baby Jesus from the nativity and he shared a plastic plate of cookies with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the North Pole puppy. 

Santa must have known the magnitude of holiday treats floating around this place when he added the Sparkle Crest to Elle's stocking. If only he knew that Elise considers it an equivalent culinary delight...

I used to give my mom a hard time for getting carried away with gift-giving at Christmas. But seeing their unbridled enthusiasm with every little item, I totally get it now. Moderation is a challenge.

After reveling in Santa's generosity, we dressed and headed to brunch with my dad's family. 

Where great food, company, and more presents ensued. 

The Es were enthralled by the neighborhood cat, who tolerated their abuse with amazing Christmas patience.

Judging by the lack of leg/foot coverings on my children, you'd think we spent Christmas in Hawaii. In fact, it was 38 degrees but they insisted on frolicking outside in warm weather wear.

We returned home for the arrival of Jay's family, and the onslaught of more food, gifts, and quality time with family. I was totally slack with picture taking, but had to prioritize my attention to winning the objects of my affection in the annual Dirty Santa game. 

The Es were spoiled rotten, as usual. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus over Nanny's coconut cake (one of roughly 2,098 confections up for grabs), and savored the last moments of a spectacular season.

Every year seems to get better. 

If more exhausting...