We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

We had a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas 2010. As usual, the season flew by too fast, but we tried to do all the traditions, make a few new ones, and take as many pictures as we could to capture the memories.

Klive got to open his present early so that he could get as much bounce time as possible. They grow so fast, you know. Thanks Mom, Dad, Nana and Papa - these babies are pricey!

But Santa didn't forget the little guy either. He got one of those awesomely-simple ball poppers - the ones that you see at your friends' houses, enthralling all the kids from 2 to 10. It is sure to create hours of fun!

Winn and June were bouncing off the walls on Christmas Eve. They couldn't wait to dive into the presents. So, like the good parents that we are, we made them sit beside the tempting mountain of wrapped goodies and quietly listen to the story of Baby Jesus. Then we let them open one and head to bed!

Klive kicked and flailed all morning as he watched the paper fly. Isn't he cute in his new sock monkey hat? It's nice to know people who crochet!

June gave mom the best present of all - A Chinese throwing star, a letter inducting me into the Mickey Mouse Club, and a promise that she would be good forever. Glad I got it in writing. She also made us a beautiful calendar at school.

June spent the morning as a unicorn, and Winnie as a hippo. They are now wearing these hats everywhere. And Winnie couldn't fight the urge to measure every new treasure with her best new buddy - Mr. Measuring Tape!

These kids are so loved, and so, so, so spoiled! We had a room full of great new stuff from all the Nanas, Papas, Grandpas, Grandmas, Yayas, Aunts and Uncles (Buck!). Don't worry, the homemade thank-yous are on their way!

The face says it all.

Daddy got some manly movies, a manly tool box and tools, and some, um, kind-of manly running shoes that look like toe socks. His feet were cramping immediately, but he sure thought he looked cool.

Mom got lots of treats (which were promptly eaten before the new year weight loss goal setting) and this wicked awesome Michael Jackson game for the Wii. It is soooo hard! Makes me wish I was still a good dancer, and not a chunky monkey.

Klive did his best to be a part of the action, but it turned out to be too much for him. He had to take a little cat-nap in the wrapping paper mess.

June is totally into arts and crafts. Santa brought her a real sewing machine, and she got lots of beads, knitting supplies, drawing tools, and some math games to help her in school.
Winnie asked Santa for "real-live hair-do stuff" and that's exactly what she got - a beauty salon complete with hair cutting and coloring tools. I'm going to take some good pictures of her in action when we get it all set up. Knowing her, she'll be charging her sister for a haircut in no time.

In the afternoon, we bundled up and headed to Nana and Papa's for more presents, some shrimp and some prime rib. I think Nana's pillow pets were the biggest hit! The day was totally fun, and I'm sad to see the holiday go. You know it's a good day when Winnie asks on December 26, "How many days until Christmas?"