Let 'er Rip!

I had this idea to make a "Santa Line" for the girls to run through and get to their stockings. It served many purposes. It kept them in their rooms until we were ready to get up and open the stockings and Santa gift. Plus, since we weren't opening all the presents on Christmas, it satisfied the need to rip some paper on Christmas. So we put this wrapping paper up across the space in between the living room and their rooms.We had to leave a space at the bottom for pet crossing. I called it the "SANTA LINE" (think POLICE LINE-- DO NOT CROSS tape) and wrote on the back that they could not cross it until 7:05 AM. We had the alarm set for 7:00 in our room, then went and got the camera ready and waited for them to come out. It was like a football team crashing through the paper banner for the big game! We loved it and highly recommend you try it at least once in your life.

Christmas in Columbia

We had a nice quiet Christmas at home with the girls. With the girls getting a little older, it was a little different this year. They never even asked to put up their tree in their rooms. This is the first year we haven't made the traditional "Christmas Countdown." I think they did enjoy shopping for each other and buying presents for each other, grandparents and for jared and me using their own money they had earned. And the biggest difference was that Santa had to get his own snack and milk from the fridge! He did leave the evidence behind in the kitchen; brownie crumbs and cup he drank out of--right on the kitchen counter. The girls are growing up all right! They only opened stockings and gifts from each other. Jared and I opened out gifts from them and from each other as well. Grandma had sent one gift home with me to wrap up for them, a rubiks cube that makes the most annoying electronic sounds EVER!! Oh well, they love them! Since Santa brought the Wii Fit, that is what they did most of the day! In the evening we went to go see a movie, The Tale of Despereaux. It was very good. Madison and I had both read the book before. It was a nice day! I did not take too many pictures, but here are a few pictures from the day.

Merry Christmas!

Party On, Dudes!

Tonight we took a break from the holiday movies on the family channel and rented "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure!" to show the girls. I cannot believe this movie is 20 years old! When it was over Gabrielle said, "Did everybody talk like that back then??" It was most excellent! My favorite line is ,"Something strange is afoot at the Circle K!" What a flashback with all the big hair and crazy sayings! If you haven't seen it lately, you should most definitely rent it, dude!

I'm Dreaming of an Orange Christmas

My sister Sarah sent us these amazing oranges and grapefruit from Arizona! We have been enjoying them all weekend. I also had a chance to practice my knife skills and "supreme" an orange. They are so juicy and delicious! Thanks, Sarah!

Christmas Message

This is the Christmas message from Hobby Lobby. It is beautiful!
www.hobbylobby.com/holiday_messages/images/recent_messages/current_message.pdf

Mia, Madison & Gabrielf

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