CHRISTMAS 2010

This December brought lots of holiday cheer and much happiness. Although I did work more than last year at this same time, I quickly realized I would have to allow the kids and Dad be in charge of some of the festivity planning for the family and kids. I did however, get to participate in everything except seeing and taking pictures with Santa. (sniff,sniff). I was a little okay with it since I assumed there would be a line. Then Todd called to tell me how wonderful the kids were, how they took the most sweet pictures, how they told Santa that they want a Wii (No we don't have one, and yes, this was very different from what they both told us they were going to ask of Santa), and how there NO LINE! While this did make me feel a little left out, I did realize it was probably for a reason - that Dad did it alone with no backup (other than Mall security), and I became somewhat more thankful things worked out the way they did.

Kelsey and I did get to see our favorite Christmas tradition, The Nutcracker Ballet. Next year, we will have to decided if Carter is able to handle all the formalities of attending the Ballet.Kelsey is a gem at this. She absolutely LOVES musicals and ballets. She knows how it all goes, with no talking during performance, no wiggling or standing, the intermission and what all the chimes mean. We got there early to order our intermission treats so when the chimes occur, we get to come out to a table especially for us and see our cookies and drinks waiting. Upon returning when the bells chime again, she knows the drill, sits quietly in her seat and anticipates the curtain rising again. First thing she said when the ballet finished was, "I want to stay and watch it again!". Carter wanted to go this year, however, one more thing that worked out better the way it did. I can't see him sitting so still the entire 2 1/2 hours just yet.

Christmas morning began at an early 5:30am - after a few awakenings during the night. Carter believed he could hear Santa's sleigh and Kelsey was very worried that Carter would get a lump of coal in his stocking - and with good reason - Carter has bee a bit on the rebellious side lately. He can be a little on the rough side. Kelsey was awake and woke everyone up to announce that he did not get coal. She was so relieved and happy for him. What a great big sister!