Christmas was wonderful this year. It was the first year Mackenzie could really get excited about everything and experience the "magic" that comes with the holiday. I loved every minute of singing Christmas songs, baking cookies, wrapping gifts, seeing lights, decorating, stuffing stockings, Christmas movies, making memories, sharing the meaning of Christmas with Mackenzie.. it's just the best season overall. I am already looking forward to Christmas season 2012!
I felt silly as Nathaniel informed me of something the other night. I usually make up some elaborate story to tell Mackenzie at bed time although I took the chance to tell her about Christmas a few nights ago. Nathaniel walks in and hears me telling Mackenzie that Jesus Christ was born on that day and we are truly celebrating His birth and he tells me "Oh, His birth wasn't actually on Christmas Day." Apparently I have been living under a rock and just haven't been informed of this, so obviously I went straight to Google because Google knows it all, right? Anyways- went to read on several sites about what Nathaniel told me and felt so embarrassed wondering how I never knew.
Anyways- Christmas Eve and Day were a blast. We went to Candy Cane Lane Christmas Eve night and it's so amazing how the entire neighborhood joins in on this tradition. I would definitely love to be apart of a neighborhood like that one day! It's so festive and fun. We watched Mr. Popper's Penguins and The Grinch, both of which Kenzie had no interest in. She loves her Barney Christmas and that's about it. Micah also accepted one of Nathaniel's random challenges of running up one of the steepest hills in our neighborhood and that was something. I don't think Micah expected it to go as far as it did. Poor guy, he's a sport though.
Kenzie opened her Christmas jammies before she went to bed as well, something we were all supposed to participate in but did five days ago. She received a call from Santa (Nathaniel) before she went night night also and loved it. She's so cute when she is being bashful. We tracked Santa all day as well and that was fun!
Christmas morning Mackenzie woke up at 8am and headed to the Christmas tree to see what Santa had brought her. She was not a happy girl but a very sleepy, cranky girl. She had her moment and then we revealed the Play Kitchen Santa brought her and she was suddenly better :). Sweet sweet girl! She explored for a few minutes and we let her open the rest of her gifts. ABC Flashcards, a few books, Dora Stickers, Dora Nail Polish, Clothing. She was so grateful and excited. I don't think she knew what to do with all this excitement. We showed her the stocking Santa filled for her which has M&Ms, Goldfish crackers and Dora bubble bath.. yes my daughter LOVES Dora. (Side note: Mackenzie has a "Dora-dar" and can spot Dora ANYWHERE we go, I am not kidding.. it's the craziest thing.) We let her help us open our gifts to each other also which was fun.. what child doesn't love ripping paper? Nathaniel received Nike Army Boots from his Grandparents, brother David, my mother and I. He loves them so much and is very thankful because now his feet will be able to breathe. Yay for that. Nathaniel surprised me with an electric kettle. It quickly boils up to seven cups of water which is perfect for all my morning hot cocoa and oatmeal. It was so thoughtful of him and I love it. Micah received his stocking surprises in one of Nathaniel's army socks which was funny. He got SLAP energy drink, puff corn, jellybeans, yogurt pretzels and M&M's. He has consumed everything but the M&M's as well. Haha :) He is a teenage boy so it's to be expected.
We also began potty training again today. She is one uninterested girl when it comes to that potty and we have tried several different things. I think it's just going to take time with her. She is getting the concept better each try though. Hopefully tomorrow will have positive results :)!
We plan on taking Micah on the famous 17 Mile Drive tomorrow afternoon. I hear it is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. Nathaniel is planning on taking him on the Stairway to Heaven as well. All I really know about it is that it's a hike up a very steep mountain. Micah is so excited for it though, he is ready for adventure. We want to go Whale watching and to the Fisherman's Wharf this upcoming week too. Hopefully we will fit it all into our schedule. Nathaniel only has flag duty every morning from 6:40am to 7:30am which is wonderful! I am so grateful that he gets to spend more time with us and have a break. I am sure he is going to start spending a lot of his time reviewing French for his upcoming test next semester. He will do great :)!
We missed our families and friends this week but are so glad they are doing well and got to spend the holiday with one another.
This week a very sweet woman passed away, Susan Penman. She was a mentor to me from the time she showed up at my house when I was twelve inviting me to join her and the other ladies in Young Women's. She always had time for everyone and was a fantastic leader. She was so sweet to my husband and daughter and I cherish every memory I have of her. I love and miss you Sister Penman and you will always hold a place in my heart.Susan Muncey Penman
What a fun, sad post. It sounds like Christmas was enjoyed by all, but I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I know you loved her.
ReplyDeleteChristmas was a lot of fun and we are sad it's over because Mackenzie loved everything about it.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your Christmas stories! That is veryy exciting that Mackenzie was able to understand a little more and get excited for Christmas. It's our favorite holiday too, so much excitement and happiness and food and cheer! That was toooo funny that you used one of Nathan's tall socks as a Christmas stocking LOL! That is soo cute that the town does a lot for Christmas, I want to live in a nice town like that too =] on to more post-reading! I have to catch up and you do a wonderful job =]
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