Christmas 2010

What happened? We blinked and Christmas came and went. Actually, for us it took forever to arrive. But for Mommy -- and all the other grown-ups -- it flew by. It went by so fast that we're now 27 days into 2011 and she's just getting around to posting about it! Slacker.

Our fourth Christmas (and all the events leading up to and after it) was fantastic. Here are some highlights:

1. Woody* the Elf. Woody was sent by Santa to make sure we weren't naughty. He showed up one morning sitting on a shelf in our living room. Every night, after we went to bed, he'd head up to the North Pole to report to Santa. It was fun because in the morning when we woke up, he'd be in a different spot. He was also a bit mischievous while we were sleeping. He haphazardly decorated our bedroom with Christmas lights, hung our underwear all over the Christmas tree, took our minivan out for a joy ride and even TP'd our house! Silly Woody. We were on our best behavior (most of the time) when he was around. Now he's back at the North Pole with Santa until next year.

2. Decorating. We loved putting ornaments on the tree. And thanks to Grammy and Nanny, we have quite a collection of our own. Grammy, who is a very meticulous ornament-hanger, forced herself to be flexible because we liked to rearrange her work. We just couldn't see them when they were too high so most of the good ones ended up clustered around our eye-level.

Liam helped a very patient Papa put together the Christmas tree train. It probably took twice the time to assemble it with an anxious 3-year-old-boy helping, but they did it. We even found Woody riding around on it one morning.

3. Gingerbread Houses. Our school hosted Gingerbread Night where we got to decorate our own houses. It was crazy fun! Our classrooms where transformed into workshops complete with candy assembly lines that we had full access to. It was a sugar frenzy. At the end of the night there was more candy in our tummies than stuck to our houses.

4. Santa Claus. We are no longer afraid of old St. Nick. We love him. And we saw him everywhere (in LA, at the mall, at the clubhouse, on the street outside a car wash). The first time we saw him, and sat on his lap, Liam asked for a bright blue motorcycle** with a bright blue helmet. Lucy asked for toys. Liam was so completely fascinated by the big man he kept going back to get another look (he also kept getting in other people's photos). Not sure what happened but the second time we saw him we changed our minds and asked for roller skates. One thing is sure -- every good thing we did during the month of December was all for Santa. "Mommy, I put my shoes away, is Santa going to like?" "Mommy, I brushed my teeth, is Santa going to like?" "Mommy, I shared with Liam, is Santa going to like?"

5. Visitors. We had a house full again this year. And it's the best way to spend the holidays - surrounded by your family. Aunt Neannie and Uncle Bob got to the airport 5 hours before their flight this year and made it out on time. We were very comfortable hanging on, we mean, out with them after our trip to LA. Cousin Drew was also here enjoying time off from school. Liam is still talking about his, 'big, big muscles'. Unfortunately Nanny, Grandad and Aunt Steph got snowed in and couldn't get out of England for 8 days!

6. Christmas Eve. It was a very busy day. Lots to do. We had to make cookies for Santa, finish making presents (bookmarks and paperweights), and get ready for everyone to come over. It was a full house with enough food to feed a small army. It was a really fun evening. When it was time, we put the cookies and milk out for Santa (and carrots for his reindeer), made sure the fireplace was turned off, and raced to bed. It was the easiest night for Mommy - we couldn't fall asleep fast enough.

7. Presents. We must have been good because there were soooooo many presents under the tree for us. It was ridiculous the amount toys. We also got used to getting them and didn't like it much when the presents stopped coming. We (Lucy) felt entitled and frankly became a bit greedy. But Mommy forced us into a post-Christmas detox program and we're happy to report that after a month we're back to ourselves now.

8. Second Christmas. We couldn't wait to see Nanny, Grandad and Aunt Steph. It was great because we're finally at the age where we'll do things without Mommy. And they took us everywhere. We had so much fun - just one-on-one - with them. It was especially nice for Mommy who got some time to herself. The hardest part of them being here was keeping our secret. Secret you ask? Yes. Uncle Philip (who was spending the holidays with his family) was planning to propose to Aunt Steph once she returned home to England. It was very exciting news and everyone knew but her. But we were all sworn to secrecy. Now that he's popped the question (and she said, 'yes') we can share the wonderful news with all of you in blogland. We're excited for two reasons: 1) we get to be in their wedding and eat cake and 2) cousins!!!!! Hee hee.
And now here we are in 2011. A new year that promises new adventures. One of Mommy's resolutions (now that she's back from her 40th birthday trip to Cabo) is to update our blog more often - at least one post per week - starting February 1st. Let's see if she can do it. Until then, here's wishing everyone a healthy, safe and happy new year!

Here's a our Christmas slide show. Hope you enjoy:



* We got to name our elf and 'Woody' was one we could both agree on. He's named for Woody the cowboy from our favorite movie, Toy Story.

** Papa got Liam his motorcycle (and Lucy a pink moped) but they never made it under the tree. The motorcycle was too fast and the accelerator kept sticking and wouldn't stop properly so Mommy didn't think it was a good idea. Plus we had too many presents. She reckoned we'd enjoy them more for our birthday, when it's warmer outside (and she's had a chance to fix it).