Christmas Prep

This Christmas is so great! It is the first year that Maren is really in to Santa, and Addi is an old pro. She recently told me, "Mommy, I think Christmas is my favorite holiday because it is the only one that is magic." I think my heart melted. Her smart logical brain has lots of questions regarding Santa, but she loves the whole idea regardless.

The girls both had so much fun decorating the tree and posing with their favorite Tinker Bell ornaments.
Every time we drive up to our fully lit house at night the girls commend Brian on his exterior illumination skills.We made our traditional gingerbread houses at Cook Street Culinary School this year. Can you guess which one Brian and I made?Last week I caved and gave the girls one of their presents early -- slippers. I was just glad that they finally showed that they have different tastes and wanted something different than the other one. Maren picked out Disney princess slippers and Addi picked rainbow yeti boots (that is the only way I know how to describe them). They wear them every minute they are at home -- no joke, and Maren even sleeps in hers. Last night we had our Christmas celebration with Nana, Zia, the cousins and Auntie Erin and Uncle Manny. The pictures say it all.The girls have asked Santa for giant teddy bears this year (yes, both of them). Our friend Laura has one from when she was little and the girls love him. His name is big Ted, so they asked for their very own big Teds. Luckily Costco had some ridiculously large bears this summer and I jumped at the opportunity, and the girls haven't changed their minds (they even sat on Santa's lap and asked for their giant bears). They are a bit over the top -- we had to put them into huge black yard bags in the basement, and I can barely carry one by myself, but what the heck, its Christmas!!! Brian and I can't wait to see the girls' faces tomorrow!