Oh Christmas Tree!

We had our annual trim-the-tree party last weekend with all of our favorite traditions - new pajamas, Christmas music, "fancy" cookies, hot cocoa in Santa mugs, and a pine scented candle ("tricking everyone about our fake tree" as Henry says). This is one of the few years that the kids were begging to decorate the tree first, instead of chowing down on sugary treats. All four gathered around the ornament box to pull out their favorites. Henry and John ask for the story about every single ornament. And they still fight over the Santa puppet one. Peter did not want any help putting ornaments on the tree - "I do it like big boy!" He struggled at first to get one on, but once he did it, his smile was worth it. Frances gnawed on most of the ornaments. And then she started removing all of Peter's hard work. The boys really focused on the bottom of the tree, so Gus and I did some rearranging after bedtime. Then it was treat time. Henry and John liked the hot cocoa, but it's really just a vehicle for marshmallows. Peter did not like the hot cocoa, so he ate his marshmallows straight up. Frances tried one marshmallow and spit it out on the floor. No one had any complaints about those "fancy" cookies though.

Santa Claus came to town (in a Chevy)

Another year, another visit from Santa at Nanna's house! I knew Henry and John were excited to see the big guy. Peter was a wild card. Last year he ran away in rage. This year, we talked up Santa a lot to Peter. We practiced how to sit on Santa's lap. We talked about what he wanted for Christmas. And we made sure to repeat how nice Santa is. And it worked because "Peter the Runner" turned into "Peter the Santa Hog". He rang the bells, he pulled the beard, he talked Santa's ear off. Frances, on the other hand, wasn't so sure of Santa. She cried at first, but then pulled herself together. She was very intrigued once Santa started talking to her.

The boys came prepared with their wish lists. Henry and John were very specific with their requests. Santa better not mess this up. Peter has asked for the same three things on repeat. The gym ladies, the Publix cashier, the UPS guy - they all know Peter's wish list. Francie's big brothers made sure to tell Santa that she can't talk, but that she would like girl presents. And lots of pink. Santa was kind enough to bring each child a new book. And before he left, he read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Peter couldn't help but shout out, "Hey! That's you in the book, Santa!"