The Best Christmas Ever

Christmas wasn't just December 25th. It's not easy to give it a start date, so I'll say it started with the aforementioned Santa Party on the 21st. The next day we had a really nice time visiting Noah and Shelly and some other friends, while the kids had a movie marathon in the den. That party involved an ugly sweater contest that I'm not ashamed to admit Barb and I both lost. I worked on the 23rd. Then on the morning of the 24th, Aaron and Wendy and Lily and Kai came over for pancakes in the morning, and the kids exchanged gifts. Elizabeth and Lily -- who have sometimes played a game in which they called themselves "The Poopsters" -- were thrilled to receive wind-up toys that pooped candy. That same night we went to Brian and Teresa and Riley's for dinner, and another gift exchange.

After Christmas day with Grandma, we went up to Mt. Hood for a nonpareil Christmas dinner with Jen and Elwood and Joshi and Billi.

Here it is: the pure essence of the joy of present-unwrapping. Suzanne was thrilled to this level mulitple times during the multi-day holiday. I think here she is unwrapping an activity book from Wendy and Aaron. When she unwrapped her gift from Santa, on Christmas Day (it was the music box), she declared, "I'm so happy!" True story.

Kai was less interested in the Viking helmet he got than were most of the older people (adults included). Barb and I are convinced he'll grow into it.

The girls embracing their stockings on Christmas Day. I was unfortunately indisposed at the time they ripped into their stockings; luckily, Barb captured some of it with the camera.

Elizabeth is... The Winner!! Here she is opening her gift from Santa: a Princess Twilight Sparkle with Spike doll set. I was glad that she seemed at worst mildly disappointed that she didn't get every My Little Pony plus the Crystal Palace play set that she'd asked for from Santa.

Suzanne opening another gift. 

Grandma is talking to Uncle Scott while the girls play with their presents.

Elizabeth and Suzanne were both thrilled to receive a sack of dollar coins from Uncle Scott and family. Here is Suzanne immediately depositing her Christmas wealth into her piggy bank.

I got Barb (among other things) a custom bra-fitting kit. Here, she is playing with the enormous cups that came with the kit.

Suzanne rocking the coat that Jen gave her to share with Elizabeth. The coat is awesome (Suzanne is convinced that it's real fur), but the sharing part might be tough.

The girls prior to going to Jen and Elwood's.

On the way out to Jen and Elwood's, Mt. Hood was capped by this incredible lenticular cloud.

Billi, Joshi, and Elizabeth cuddling with the new mega-stuffed animals.

The girls in the evening, ready for bed, but willing to pose for a last Christmas picture in their new nightgowns (thanks Aunt Lucy and Uncle Carl!).