Christmas 2011

We had such a fun Christmas this year!  We made a bucket list of things to do and got most of them crossed off, and basically just really enjoyed each other and the season instead of getting stressed out and crazy about little, unimportant things.  Mark and I said this was probably the best Christmas yet, because Cole and Kara got along so well, were enthusiastic about everything we did, and most importantly, still believed in Santa.  We were very aware that this might be Cole's last year as a believer (since he doesn't believe in the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy).  


Without further ado, a barrage of pictures!

What a haul!  

Waiting to come down (after waiting for Mom to get ready and get the lights on and the cameras ready, and...)

Kara unwrapping her big present from Santa - a Barbie house.  Sidenote - Mark and I were really proud of this gift because Kara had never asked for one or even talked about one.  Before she opened it, she said, "I hope this is my Barbie house!".  Cole told us that she had told Grammie the week before that she hoped Santa would bring her a house for her Barbies.  Ironic!

Cole opening up his Lego Ninjago Fire Temple that was his big gift from Santa.  He also has a funny story behind his - Cole had wanted a different, very large Star Wars Lego, and had been asking for it for months.  One Saturday Mark went to Meijer to check to see if it was in stock during one of their sales.  They didn't have the Star Wars one, but had the Fire Temple.  It was on sale, plus he had a coupon, so it was such a great deal that he couldn't pass it up.  We decided that we would save it for his birthday.  We then ordered the Star Wars Lego from Amazon and were all set.  When the kids sat down to write their letters to Santa, Cole all of a sudden decided that he didn't want the Star Wars Lego anymore, and wanted the Ninjago Fire Temple instead.  It could have caused a moment of panic, but we knew we had the Fire Temple and could easily make the switch.  Guess Mark knew what Cole would like!  And guess what Cole will be getting for his birthday?

Look at Cole's face - such joy from a container of bathtub tints (that were technically Kara's!).

They were looking for the presents they had bought for each other.

Their very own digital cameras that Mark picked out for them.

Let the playing begin!

Building a tiny Lego that came in his stocking.  It probably took him longer to open the packaging then it did to put it together.  : )

Sharing a Christmas dance (each wearing a new outfit).

Cole started working on a different Lego that would take a little more time to build.

And all the grandparents were able to come.  Hi Grandparents!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!