The Old Bum

We met up with Santa at our favorite toy store, Rowdy Rascals in Snohomish! Much better than waiting in line at the mall! My grandpa used to call him, "The Old Bum," and we'd get so upset, "No Grandpa, he's not a bum!"

Look at those trusting faces! What do you expect, 364 days out the year we tell them to stay away from strangers, then we think they'll sit on a strange man's lap and not be afraid? I had in my mind the perfect picture, the kids in slightly matchy outfits, dark jeans for Princess E and a three button red sweater, both sitting smiling on Santa's lap. E insisted on these turquoise pants and a pink shirt and then she was very unsure of this imposing bearded man. I ended up in the photo and none of us match and it's not the perfect photo but it was still a perfect day!

We went to Olympia for the holidays and now it's time to detox and play with all our toys. Butters was sick during the holiday but he's back to his old self-pestering his sister and demanding sugary treats, oh and telling jokes and giving kisses! Look how mellow he is.

For Santa, we don't put a huge emphasis on him bringing all the gifts. We had our own Cmas morning the weekend before, then family meals and gift opening Cmas eve down in Oly, then Cmas morning, Santa leaves a little something in the stockings. I never know where we'll be, so the stockings are portable and small! I had fruit candies, water color paint and a small gift and a ball for each. I ask Butters what Santa brings and he said, "Candy canes or something?" So, I had DH pick up candy canes, too! Here's why there are more pictures of E on the blog them Butters, he doesn't like having his picture taken anymore (I wonder why?). This was Cmas morning.

Last month, we asked Butters what he wanted for Cmas, Darth Vader's Tie Fighter or Boba Fett's ship. He wanted Boba's ship. DH found and bought it on eBay. We opened presents, then saw Santa at the toy store. He asked Santa for the Tie Fighter. On the drive home, we asked him why, "Because I already had Boba Fett's ship!" Next time, Santa before the presents!