Christmas 2011

Christmas week this year began with Kieran bringing a letter than he had written to Santa at school, as well as a reply from Santa stating that he would do his best to get Kieran what he wanted (a John Deere Tractor and some legos).  He had been asked repeatedly for about a month what he wanted from Santa but never came close to giving a definitive answer.  It was obvious that Santa had some work to do that week.

Christmas Eve brought the now annual visit from Santa at Great-Grandma's house.  Kieran, Luke and Lex all did very well and would walk right up to Santa as he was handing out gifts.  This was quite the change from when we saw Santa earlier, Luke absolutely refused to go near Santa then.

Christmas morning the boys both were eager to get downstairs to see what Santa had delivered.  Kieran was so eager, he awoke at 1:15 am stating that he had done a good job sleeping through the night and he should be able to open presents.  Ah....no Kieran, go back to bed.

Finally, when every was awake the boys could open their presents and see what Santa had brought.  Lex was not as excited as the boys and for a while just focused on drinking her milk, though eventually she came around.  Santa came through with the John Deere Tractor, legos and a fishing pole for both boys.  Highlights for all three were any toy that made noise (they got some), and they of course found clothing not very exciting.

Later that day we went to Norwood and Alexandria where the process was repeated.  Anything that would make noise was a terrific gift (in their minds) and clothes were something that could be forgotten until another day.  Other gifts (like movies, books, etc.) fell somewhere in between on that specific spectrum.

I only add this picture, taken on Christmas Eve, because it shows a side of Luke that will be trouble in the future.  What he was doing before the picture was taken or immediately after, who knows, but he certainly has a plan for something.

Kieran also came out with a Christmas lesson, lake ice can be slippery if you are not careful.  A fun time of a little running and sliding on the ice resulted with him landing on his chin.  His five stitches are due to come out on January 3rd.  At this point, he has no intention of ever standing on a frozen lake again, we'll see how long that lasts.

Winter Wonderland?

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let It Snow......

aw....nevermind.... 

The best part of this picture taken out the front door is the date, December 18th.  Today's forecast high is 45 degrees, with no snow in sight.  Chances of a white Christmas are slim and long-range forecasts (if they can believed) suggest no measurable snow until early 2012.  Every day we go into this winter without snow, shortens the severity of the inevitable snow.....

The shovel stands vigil, ready for something that will come....

Santa Comes to Town

Before returning to the North Pole for his last minute preparations for Christmas Eve, Santa visited the bank in NYA again.  Had a few problems visiting Santa this year, specifically from two of Santa's visitors.  Kieran exhibited some tears and a slight refusal to see Santa when he realized he didn't know what he wanted to ask for.....Luke was a whole other story.  It took some work (convincing) on my part last year for Luke to take a picture with Kieran and Santa.  I thought I'd be able to do the convincing again.....I was wrong....