First Christmas

It was perfect.

For Christmas Eve the girls wore beautiful red dresses, white tights, and black shoes. We had dinner at Aunt Joy & Uncle Vinny (long family tradition) and later visited the Pompeo cousins (new family tradition). The girls did not hit the pillows until 11PM. That was a blessing because they slept in Christmas Day until 8AM.

Finally, Colleen and I were worried they may never wake up, so we tiptoed in to check on the girls. Marin was lying on her back, eyes bulging, and this glorious look of anticipation in her face. She whispered "Did Santa come to my house?" And we told her yes. She asked "Did Santa eat the cookie I made for him?" And we told her yes. Now, barely containing her excitement, Marin asked "Did he drink my milk, too?" And we told her yes.

Marin could not wait for Emmy to wake up, so we took her down to see the tree and presents. She took a quick look around, smiled with satisfaction, and announced matter of factly that we must go wake up Emmy immediately. So we did. Emmy was cranky and wanted to sleep, but Marin finally persuaded her to join us downstairs.

The girls got sleeping bags, a LeapFrog computer, a beautiful maple toybox, and clothes, games, food and candy. It was not an expensive Christmas, but no matter, the kids were overjoyed.

Christmas Day went smooth as silk. Colleen's side of the family joined us late morning for gift exchange and mid day meal. They left about 2PM when we put the kids down for a rest. We woke the kids around 4PM, just in time for Leo's side of the family to join us for another gift exchange and the evening meal.

I know life has a way of throwing curve balls just when you think you have it figured out - but man - we are so pleased with the way we put this Christmas together and we think we have the model for the future.

Merrrrrrry Christmas everybody.