Christmas Eve

Santa came to visit this year. We were a little worried, due to Sylvia's fit of hysteric screaming at Santa last year. It seems to be improving.

Soon, they were old pals, and she was excited to start into her Santa gift. Yes, Santa does resemble one of my sons a little. :)

Sylvia was thrilled to get a play farm, and wanted to know if Santa would keep coming back every day.

After Santa left, we read the Christmas story. With so many seasoned actors, it went smoother than ever. No complaints even about singing carols intermittently. It was a very nice time.
Noel played all the wildlife (donkey, sheep, etc.). Asher doubled as Joseph and a wiseman. Mattias played a wiseman and Inn keper. Deb filled in as all the angels and King Herod. Sean was exhausted from making a tastey Christmas dinner, and sat relaxed on the couch, reading the story aloud.

Sylvia played Mary, and was amused at all the costuming.

Sylvia and Maya think it is about time for bed. Christmas can be a tiring holiday. You need to pace yourself.

Maya, living the good life.

So, when our dog (Maya) isn't stealing gourmet cheese off the counter tops, she can usually be found curled up on the couch. Unless the dishwasher is being loaded, then she helps with the pre-washing.
Initially we weren't going to let her on the furniture, but when I felt how good it felt to tuck my cold toes under her warm body, we loosed the rules.

Snow Baby Sylvia

Sylvia thinks she is king of the winter world. She will stay outside forever, digging like Clifford the Dog.
We look for mounds of snow the snowplows pile in parking lots, and then let her climb them, to wear her out. (Sneaky parent trick #203)

It is a little funny though when she gets stuck. She dug herself down into a hole in the corner of our front yard. I taught her the trick of kicking her boots into the snow for footholds, and she hasn't been stuck since.

Winter events

December started out with the State Lego League Competition. The team did great this year, I was so impressed with what they accomplished. My two boys are at the bottom left of this picture.

It was looking like a pretty mild winter, and we were wondering if we would have snow for Christmas. We got hit with a mega-blizzared and suddenly found ourselves with 18 inches overnight. Tree branches were down all through the neighborhood, and other areas lost power. The schools and university closed, which meant shovelling for Sean, but play time for the kids.

Asher and Sylvia had a good time making snow forts under the snowy bushes.

We have a very tolerant dog, Maya. Sylvia likes to try dressing her up, and just before this picture was taken, she looked like a beautiful princess. When I tried taking the picture, she shook the crown off, and called it a day.

Sylvia loves arranging our Nativity scene. Often there is a "My Little Pony" and several zoo animals (elephants, zebras, etc.) lined up along with the wise men.
This morning though, it looked normal, until I inspected it closer. The smallest Russian stacking doll was laying in the manger. When i noticed Baby Jesus was missing, I asked Sylvia where he went - fearing he was lost! She said she had put him in the Matryoshka, in the place of the baby doll.
Well, it certainly gives the scene a little international zest.