Christmas

Lexi was definitely more aware of Christmas - including the idea of getting presents - this year. She is also more aware of the Christmas story and helped play the Holy Family in the Christmas Eve early service at our church. Lexi was the donkey that accompanied Mary and Joseph (and Baby Jesus aka Natalie) to Bethlehem. As Lexi didn't want to wear the provided donkey hat, Uncle Andy was kind enough to fashion her a hobby horse out of cardboard/chipboard from the recycling bin. It was quite a hit at the service and with a little coaxing she managed to walk up the aisle with it and then sit quietly in front of the congregation with Mom and Dad. Natalie also did a great job and slept through 95% of the service with only a little jiggling to keep her calm.

While interested in the presents, Lexi didn't spend much time checking out the presents under the tree in advance or asking if she could open something early. She certainly got lots of nice things - a good assortment of clothes, books and toys. Next year, we want to try and reduce on the number of things she gets as we sometimes feel overwhelmed by all of the stuff we own.

Santa brought Lexi a scooter. This was a much discussed purchase as Lexi had been requesting a Dora kitchen after pouring over the toy catalog that came with one of the Sunday papers before Thanksgiving. We decided to not go with that as we were worried she would grow out of it soon (she is almost 4.5 after all). So far she has been pleased with the scooter and hasn't asked at all about the kitchen. She fairly confidently rides it though doesn't do the trick where you build up speed and then coast.

Natalie - not unexpectedly - hardly noticed the gifts for her at all. In fact, Mom and Dad didn't even get her anything. She also received several toys that I think she will find interesting in the months to come and books to enjoy.

We didn't have a white Christmas and Lexi declared that it couldn't be Christmas if there wasn't snow. I do want to take her ice skating as she is interested in trying to go again this year.

For New Year's we are going to a Lutheran family camp for a couple of nights. It's an hour away from DC and we return home on the 1st when Lexi, Natalie and I will fly out to SLC to visit Miriam and family (including my parents who are still there). I am really looking forward to it.