Christmas AM

As the parent of a sometimes shy kid, I am always a little perplexed about just what merits concern from my oldest.  Of course, last year, the mere presence of Santa reduced her to tears.  This year, when we took her to see Santa, not only did she sit on his lap and tell him she wanted candy canes for Christmas, she gave him a big hug, and gave the MSC mayor a big hug as well.  But she is scared of Dora's map.  Not that I blame her on that one.

It is funny to me that she has become a little more shy over the years about exciting things.  Christmas morning for example.

Here she is on Christmas morning at age 1 licking her chops for those presents:

Here she is at age 2, mildly puzzled about why mom and dad keep fussing with camera equipment:

And here she is at age 3 worried that the goods are dangerous, like they might start singing to her (I'm the bow, I'm the bow, I'm the bow, I'm the bow, I'm the BO-O-O-O-OW!!!!"):

And I thought the pressure was on for me this Christmas!  By the way, we did get her candy canes:

As well as a few other things.  And yes, she freaked.  In a good way.

For those interested readers, that is a vintage (circa 1984) MLP Dream Castle and Pretty Parlor, with 18 authentic ponies.  Thanks to Mama Deru for not sending my childhood to Deseret Industries.  You know you've arrived as a parent when it is 2:00 AM on Christmas Day, your husband is kneeling over the tub shampooing pony manes and tails while you stand at the vanity styling.

Love it.  Love my girls.  And here is Lizzy's first entry into the Christmas AM gallery:

Nativity

Several years ago Cortney's mom gave us a nativity set.  This year, for the first time, we tried to explain to James who all the figures were and the part they played in the nativity story.  James had her own ideas... 
This one we call "Pharisees and Sadducees at the Temple":

This one we have to call "The Dead Shepherd":

This one we don't have a name for, but are sure that FOX News would cite it as evidence of the war on Christmas.  Note that the men are staring down at the presents under the tree.

Better luck next year.

A little spooky

No, it's not Halloween, but when I took some pictures of Lizzy in her blessing dress, there was one that reminded me a lot of James.  Then I compared them side by side.

Here's Lizzy:

Now here's Jamsey:

A little spooky, right?