Twas the Night Before Christmas....

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads"

So, that is how it goes for us this evening too! We have stuffed stockings, wrapped presents, and placed everything in the perfect spot for Lillian and Lydia in the morning. I can't wait to wake up and see their reaction!

We did our normal tradition and let the girls open one present on Christmas Eve. They chose the one they got for each other and they did a great job shopping this year! Lillian gave Lydia a talking dog puppet and Lydia got Lillian crayons, fun pad, pencil and bath gels. They were so good to each other and it made me smile they chose those presents to open today!

We placed our magic reindeer food and carrots on the lawn for the reindeer. And if you can only imagine Lydia crying because we took her carrots for the reindeer. So hard to explain this concept to a 2 year old, but she finally gave in when I told her I would give her more for her bowl. You all know she is always eating! At least it is a carrot..this time!

Lillian made the Santa letter this year and even decorated it so nicely. We placed it on the kitchen table with the milk and cookies for Santa. I was going to place it on the coffee table, but Lillian said Santa would leave crumbs everywhere when he ate the cookies. The same 6 year old little girl would knocked over two bowls of goldfish this morning and just walked away? Huh? But, it was still cute and I followed orders!

We just got them to bed and said good bye to Oodle our Elf. He will ride home with Santa tonight in his sleigh and we won't see him until next year. The girls blew kisses to him! We read Twas the Night Before Christmas, sang We Wish you A Merry Christmas and Jingle Bells and tucked them in for the night. I wonder what they are dreaming about....Lillian presents and more presents...Lydia probably food and more food! :)

Rich and I are just about complete with the presents. Lydia's scooter is together and Rich raced off to a friends' house to pick up two presents I have been hiding for a while in their basement. You have to be smart these days! Rich almost blew it with wrapping my presents he bought me in the same paper I wrapped the presents from Santa. It was a close one tonight! Since when did kids get so bright??

Good night and Merry Christmas to everyone! I know everyone is having as much fun as me tonight. And Rich enjoyed being Santa eating those delicious cookies and I had to pretend to be a reindeer and go munch on some frozen carrots in 30 degree weather with a little snow on the ground! ha ha And a BIG thanks to Brian for writing a thank you note from Santa Clause to the girls (I couldn't write it or Rich since they are too smart for that now). They are going to love it! May all the children wake up with smiles on their faces in the morning and remember the true meaning of Christmas!

Love,

Julie

PS- Santa is officially in Durazno, Uruguay!!!! Come on SANTA!