Merry Christmas!

I know, it's a little early. But if feels like Christmas is already over for us. We had my mom visiting this weekend and decided to let the kids open presents on Saturday morning since she wouldn't be with us on Christmas day. She brought lots of presents for the kids and, combined with the ones we got them, they had a field day. The big hit of this Christmas were "car movie" cars (that's what the boys call the movie "Cars"), especially "Mac". He's Lightning McQueen's big rig trailer. Mac's trailer opens up to feature a big screen TV, car wash station, toothbrushing wash basin, weight lifting station, and kitchen, complete with a mini refrigerator stocked with oil cans. It's really cute! The little matchbox size Lightning fits inside perfectly. The only problem is that there was only one Mac under the tree (translate: the boys fight over him constantly). Here they are before the paper tearing fun began.

We also had a major milestone reached this weekend by David. He had his Christmas program at his school on Saturday afternoon. After the program they had a cookie reception in the fellowship hall complete with the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap. In the past David has wanted to sit as far away as possible from the big guy in red. We haven't pushed it with him as he has been scared of most costumed characters (hence the reason we have never taken them to Disneyland). So, I asked Luke if he wanted to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what he wanted for Christmas. He didn't hesitate with his "Yes" answer. When Luke said yes, David asked him "Are you sure Lukey?" He seemed concerned for Luke's safety! Ha Ha! Mark took Luke over to wait in the line and after about 5 minutes David said to me that he wanted to go to. I was so suprised. I told him that Santa was a nice guy and I guess he decided to trust me. Maybe seeing that his brother wasn't scared helped too. So, the boys sat on Santa's lap for the very first time! I was so proud of both of them. I only wish I could have heard what they told Santa because they spent a lot of time talking to him! I wasn't able to get the classic "smiling at the camera" shot, but here is the one I did get. It's really priceless!

I'll leave you with the Christmas gift my mom got from me. It's an 18x24 size canvas. I used acrylic paint, Basic Grey and My Mind's Eye patterned paper, Heidi Swapp flower and hearts, Li'l Davis wood frame, Doodlebug posies, Maya Road chipboard letters and some rhinestones. I love doing these. They are so much fun to work on. She is planning on hanging it in her office. I hope it brightens up her space.