merry christmas!

The tradition of Ava (and now Noah) writing a note to Santa began two years ago. Noah was really concerned that Santa was going to eat all the cookies and not leave him a bite. All he wanted was some of the cookie. He made his sister write a note asking Santa to please leave a bit of cookie for him. Sure enough, the next morning Noah bypassed the overflowing stockings and headed straight for the plate of cookies.

The anticipation! Wait...wait...mom doesn't have the camera ready. Okay, go!
Reading the note from Santa...such self control! I can't believe she did that when the full stocking was sitting right there!

The treasures...I love that Ava pauses to read.
This year Noah asked for the Robin Hood dvd, and Ava wanted a hooded coat for her American Girl doll. Santa came through, but I have to say the sweet Velcro Seahawks wallet was my favorite item.
You know those traditions that you aren't sure why they are but you carry them on anyway? That's me with the satsumas in the stocking. I have a large bowl of them on the counter but I always put one in the bottom of the stocking, because that's what I had as a kid.

This is one of my favorite times of the day, when the kids open gifts from each other. They take so much care in choosing the gift, I love seeing the reactions when they are opened.  Noah was happy to find a use for his new tools!  His looks of concentration are the best.

Ava's sweet gift for daddy. She wanted to get him a favorite (Rolos), and while we were at the store she asked me to wait "over there" so she could pay all by herself. I'm just not ready for her to be this big.
The after gift opening quiet. Time to play, or maybe just watch Robin Hood.

Jedi Master Noah