Christmas Riches

The girls have been very excited to open presents. Last night, we let them open one present before church. Carli, the fashionista, opened her boots so that she could wear them to church. Pearl opened her gift from Abigail and Sophie and loved her pillow pet immediately!

We then went to the candlelight service at Augustana Church. They have an incredible Sunday Jazz Service and the Candlelight service is also Jazz. It did not disappoint. Marliyn Keller has the most amazing voice I have every heard and the Jazz band was the perfect accompaniment with their bass, drums and piano. Even though the service did not end until almost 9 p.m. the girls behaved pretty well.

This morning Carli got everyone out of bed to open presents. Unfortunately Eric was in charge of the camera so the pictures do not show the excitement and happiness of the girls. But, just to give you some idea, Carli was super excited she got pickles...yes pickles! Pearl is still trying to understand the entire affair and could not believe all her presents are "just for her!" This included some coveted magnetic earrings so that she could be just like her big sister.

Carli concluded present-opening with the perfect sentiment: "This is the best Christmas ever because we are in our home, we are happy and we got some great gifts." I could not have said it better!

Another First-Gingerbread House

Well this holiday season seems to be full of firsts...the real tree and now decorating a gingerbread house. The girls had lots of fun and Carli even gave me a hug afterwards and said "Thank you. That was fun. I love you." Wow!!! We will be doing this activity again.

Our First "Real" Christmas Tree

I decided a few weeks ago that I should finally give in to Eric (just this once) and let him get the "real" Christmas tree he has always wanted. Carli has been super excited ever since we told her we were going to hunt for our tree. Pearl was excited, too, only because she copies everything that Carli does!

We drove about 30 minutes outside of Portland to Loch Lolly Christmas Forest. It has 28 acres of several varieties of trees plus reindeer, Santa and a beautiful little lake. It was a cold, sunny day and when we arrived at the tree farm, people and kids were everywhere. The vast number of trees was overwhelming. We first visited the reindeer. They had huge racks and apparently are related to caribou. I did not realize there actually are animals that are "reindeer".

We then made the great hunt for the perfect tree. It really is not easy to find the perfect tree, especially when you have Eric and Carli searching. They couldn't agree on the right tree and we went back and forth about a few, but finally settled on one.

We then stood in line to see Santa. I really thought Pearl would be scared but she got right on his lap and when asked what she wanted for Christmas she said "A snowboard and a backpack." I have a feeling Eric has already brainwashed her! Carli was amazingly calm and only asked for one thing...rather shocking for a nine year old and Santa even tried to prod her to see if she wanted anything else. Well, Santa should come to Target with me because Carli is nonstop with requests when we are there!

On our way home, we made three stops to secure the tree. Eric then spent almost 40 minutes trying to get the tree in the stand. Of course, when I showed him the directions, he realized he was doing it wrong. Why don't men read the directions first??!!

Alas, four hours later it was time to decorate the tree. We are happy with our results and hope that Mickey, the cat, does not knock off too many ornaments tonight when we are sleeping. I doubt we will hear him, though, since everyone is exhausted and will sleep very soundly tonight.

I wonder if Eric will resort to the "fake" tree next year after all...