Christmas... Finally

So I figured it was about time we post about our Christmas fun. So here goes... get ready for mass pictures, etc.

Now, my guess is that by now, most people reading this blog know that we sometimes maybe aren't the best parents. That's not to say we abuse our kids or anything, but sometimes we opt for the easy/lazy way out of things. In this instance, our neglect was around getting a Christmas tree. We originally talked about a tree and decided that with Charlie, it was really not that practical to get a tree, decorate it and have it up all December. We figured Charlie would just demolish it so our plan was to wait until the week before Christmas and then set one up. One week of fighting to keep Charlie away from the tree is better than one month, right?

Anyway, the week before Christmas we got busy and never really got around to getting a Christmas tree. Bless Winston's little 4 year old heart, on Christmas eve he asked if he could write Santa a note to leave with the cookies and carrots (for the reindeer). We gave him paper and crayons and went about other work. Soon, he asks us to come help him write the letter. Here's the finished product:

As you can imagine, Steff and I felt like terds. All he wanted for Christmas was a tree. So we obliged with our version of the 'Charlie-proof Christmas Tree.'

As you might imagine, Winston was thrilled that Santa left him a Christmas tree AND presents. I guess he figured it was a one or the other deal.

As for the rest of Christmas, it was awesome. The family got a neato print of the Sacred Grove and Nintendo Wii with Guitar Hero, Steff got a heated massage pad (I know, I know. It is a total 'Walk through Walmart and grab anything that looks like the wife will like it because it is Christmas Eve' gift) to lay on the couch with at the end of the day, Matt got a pillow thing that allows him to sit up in bed while he reads and Mouse Trap (this is sorta a family joke, but if you have ever seen The Santa Clause 2, you may remember a part where a bunch of teachers start receiving all these gifts they've wanted since they were kids. Well, if I was one of those teachers, I would've got Mouse Trap). The kids got a whole crud load of stuff.

Edited by Steff to add: Matt also got a plane ticket to his annual skiing trip in Whistler and some new skiis.

So, now come the pictures of all the fun and games of Christmas day:

Charlie opening his Leapfrog railroad

Winston with his Clickstart

Charlie not quite sure how to show enough excitement

Winston in front of his stocking and presents

Dad after opening Mouse Trap

Dad and Winston playing Mouse Trap Christmas Night

Christmas Day at Grandma Marilyn's with the cousins

So, all in all, we had a great Christmas time and hope all of you did as well.