We had such a great Christmas this year! Christmas brought back all the memories and traditions Chris and I enjoyed as children and it was so much fun doing them all again with our girls. Ansley is at the age where she now understands who Santa is, what Santa does, and how magical he is. She was so excited about him coming to our house! Our cable had a Santa Tracker network that we tuned into every night. It was such a neat channel. It told us all the happenings at the north pole and it always asked a question that Ansley had to answer to determine whether she goes on the naughty or nice list. Sadly, she would get so "stressed" when it came time to answer those questions. . . but it worked like a charm because she tried so hard to "be good". She also learned the true meaning of Christmas. We read a book almost every night that told the story of baby Jesus and how the wise men brought him gifts and that is why we give gifts to those we love.
On Christmas morning, both girls squealed with excitement when they saw the gifts Santa brought them. One thing Chris and I learned is that they really didn't care what was "Ansley's" or "Kylie's" toys. They were equally excited about both sets of toys. They shared them all. Santa should have just put all the toys together. Maybe next year he will remember this. I know it won't always be like that, but he needs to take advantage of it as long as it lasts.
My parents came to our house this year around lunchtime. We had lots of yummy snacks instead of a big lunch. This let us focus our attention on the girls and their gifts rather than cooking and it was so worth it. Uncle David was even here this year and we are so glad he was. The girls loved him! Santa visited Gamma and PopPop's house in Alabama too. And of course, Aunt JuJu spoiled them rotten with lots of Ariel and Elmo things! Uncle David even gave Ansley a real set of Ugg boots! I was so jealous. But isn't that what aunts, uncles, and grandparents are for??? The girls were so overwhelmed with all their fun things that days later, Ansley was still "finding" new things and bringing them out of her toy room to show me. Its funny, but what a blessing that is!
Chris and I are definitely blessed to have such wonderful families that love us. We are truly blessed with 2 little gifts from God, our girls. I couldn't imagine life without them.
I am sad for Christmas to be over, but am looking forward to 2010! Happy New Year to everyone!
Instead of posting each picture, just click on this link for a slideshow of our Christmas. ..
