Christmas 2010

The biggest news story to come out of this Christmas is that Santa's cover got blown. Anyone who knows me knows how hard it was for me to play along with the whole Santa game (it really irritates me to lie to my children!). And while I understand most people think it's ok to lie under certain circumstances (magic, for fun, whatever you want to call it), it just never sat well with me. On top of which he takes the focus off of Christ, and places it on receiving gifts. But I've played along for these 9 years, and it wasn't so sad to have to give it up.

Sophie had found out a couple weeks prior to Christmas. She was really cute about it, and it became her special secret. Chloe found out on Christmas Eve. She didn't take it quite so well. It was very sad.

I made cinnamon rolls Christmas morning for breakfast (Chloe's request), then we all showered and dressed, and opened presents around 9:30. It was so nice to be able to take it slow, and enjoy the whole day. I was excited to get to shoot pictures of opening presents with light! Jason and family stopped by to claim some gifts Chloe and Sophie had gotten/made for Eli and Elsie. Then we went for a walk, and went to a movie, "Secretariat." I wanted to see "Tangled," but Sophie thought it looked too scary. I think we made a good call to change it. She was pretty cute during the movie, crossing her fingers every time Secretariat had a race. She really wanted him to win!

Chloe got her camera this year. It's all she's talked about for several months. She was able to get enough gift certificates from family (thank you!) to purchase it. She actually came up $19 short, so she and Sophie gathered up their soap and some bookmarks they had made and set up a table on the corner to sell them one evening. I had actually ordered the camera the day before, so it could be here in time for Christmas and surprise her with it. I was not very optimistic that she'd be able to come up with the last $19 needed. But the soap did it! One lady came by and felt so bad for them standing out in the cold that she told them she'd buy everything they had left! And she did. So, then I had to ruin my surprise and tell Chloe I had already ordered the camera. She didn't mind, and she got it in time to take pictures on Christmas morning.

Sophie in her Christmas pajama's, opening gifts.

Showing off their calendar I made for them. Notice the red nose? Playing Rudolph again!

Chloe enjoying her peanut brittle and wearing her cute headband from Jessica.

Sophie wearing a shirt she got from Chloe. Chloe bought Sophie the same shirt. A little plan they worked out together -- silly girls!