December 22, 2009
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The last two weekends have generated lots of pictures. First event was a Holiday event for kids at Intel. I volunteered to help set up early Saturday morning. Then James brought the kids in for Santa pictures and arts/crafts, including ornaments and a letter to Santa.
Zachary still believes in Santa (“The REAL one lives in the North Pole!”) … but I think he’s going to catch on soon.
Me: Zachary, what do you want for Christmas?
Zachary: This toy with a button that you shoot and it goes out of the water and there is a motor and it goes into outer space… etc.
Me <racking my brain, trying to figure out the toy he is describing>: What’s the name of it? Is it something you saw at Walmart or Costco?
Zachary: No, it’s a toy I invented.
Me: Well, then Santa can’t make it.
Zachary: His elves can make it. His elves can make anything.
Me: Who said that?
Zachary: Daddy told me. <And he looks at me with this face, like his father would never lie to him. So what could I do but add another lie on top of that?>
Me: <panicked> Something you might not know about elves is that they only have 3 fingers per hand. It really slows them down. There’s simply not enough time, it’s too close to Christmas. You’ll have to find something Santa can buy, pre-made.
He went for it … I think … he’s asking for something in a catalog (Gnip Gnop)… with horrible reviews. But it’s under $20, so we’re getting it to keep Santa alive for another year.
After the Intel event, we headed to Arden Hills for a Lego building activity with Alex. The goal was to help make a 4 foot tall R2D2. We took a lunch break at Mangos and when we got back, about 30 minutes before the end of the event, the robot was only about a 5th done. FAIL.
That evening, we went to the annual Baco Christmas party. We had a nice traditional dinner in their beautiful spacious home … and of course, participated in the white elephant gift exchange. Since the kids were home (one of Calie’s ex-daycare teachers watched them), James and I got to stay out until midnight.
Early last week, we had our new sink put in, so we went out to Red Robin for dinner one night. On Thursday, we went to Zachary’s school Winter Festival. The concept was good, but it was way too crowded. At one booth, they were putting henna tattoos on kids’ palms and over the course of the evening, Zachary smeared his into a mess. I need to watch what I say because Zachary repeated it to his teacher and classmates the next day at circle time … “It looked like a wiped my butt with my hand!”
On Friday, I chaperoned Zachary’s class fieldtrip to the Magic Circle theater, where the kids watched a short play. I made it back to work just in time for the annual potluck and gift exchange … where I won a glowworm toy for bringing the worst gift! (Kinoki detox foot pads … uh … thanks Alice.)
That Friday evening, James’ parents came to visit and brought Christmas gifts. We decided to open gifts as they come in this year instead of piling them all under the tree. That way, the person giving the gift can see the kids open them … and also, the kids get to enjoy each gift rather than being overwhelmed on Christmas day. Calie got a new toy box, doll, a stuffed Nemo, and 2 coloring books. Zachary received 2 coloring book, and 3 coaches for his Polar Express train.
Saturday morning, we met up with Alex and Nicole at Color Me Mine for their last free storytime and painting event. Afterwards, we went to Yummy Kitchen for lunch. Great portions for the price, and pretty authentic Chinese food too!
Sunday was Megan’s birthday … lots of great food, ice cream cake, gingerbread house decorating, and a pinata. Happy 7th Birthday Megan!
Here the kids are opening gifts from cousin Auggie, Hayden, and Sammy … a game of Whoonu and a puzzle. And the next day, a Bananagram game and pink thermos bottle from friends Will and Ryan. Thank you all for such fun presents!
(and I got to open a gift made by Zachary too!
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Comments (4)
i love reading your recaps. thanks for sharing. the santa story made me laugh out loud. you were very creative w/ your three fingers elves stories. kudos!
have a lovely holiday season & an awesome new year!
Merry Christmas to your beautiful family
Hmmm, my earlier comment is woefully devoid of snideness. I feel as if I need to add something here to feel self-actualized. Let me see… James’ parents gave Zachary new coaches for his train set?? Wow, who’d have guessed? What a surprise — Zachary must have been shocked! Okay, now I’m good. Now I’m good.
I was deeply disappointed by SporadicCommenter’s comment until I saw that he was also embarrassed of his lameness and made up for it. However, I also do not have anything witty to say. So Merry Christmas to your beautiful family.