If we took a holiday, took some time to celebrate

Oh, Christmas 2011, I already miss your face.

Christmas Eve began with Buddy, our elf, bidding Em adieu. Despite my annoyance with the AEF, our family certainly enjoyed Buddy's little shenanigans. Admittedly, I got a little sad setting him up for his last day, but I think it was a sweet good-bye. (Em did, too, for what it's worth, and she's even inquired about his whereabouts a few time since his departure.)

 

That night after we got our protesting kid to bed -- seriously, Santa was thiiiiis close to leaving coal in her stocking based on that evening alone -- Santa stopped by, with a buttload of gifts from Senior Santas (my in-laws), too.

 

The evening I wrapped this Rapunzel doll shortly after I'd seen this one at Chelsey's daughter's party.

 

Mine turned out much less heartwarming and much more gonna-smother-you-while-you-sleep.

Em didn't care, though.

She was happy to rip everything open.

 

Her one gift request this year was a penguin, but she went back and forth between asking for a BIG penguin and a tiny penguin, so Santa brought her both.

 

Santa also brought her two play dwellings, which she can't get enough of.

 

She's also addicted to her new Don't Break The Ice game, or as Em calls it, the "bam-bam-bam game!" She also managed to kick every adults' butt in the game.

 

 

And even when she "lost," she exclaimed, "WE WON!"

Although Brent and I have been together for nearly 13 years, Christmas Day dinner was the first meal I'd ever made for my in-laws. I wanted to go all out, so I braved a turkey, scalloped potatoes, Brussels sprouts,  bread and pie. The bread and pie were premade, but still! I also tackled a mushroom pot pie especially for my brother-in-law. Brent, god bless him, suggested we place the finished pot pie under the broiler for a minute or two. I protested but finally gave in, only to have the pot pie pastry crust topping CATCH ON FIRE. I would've cried if I weren't too busy opening doors and windows and fanning our smoke detectors.

Brent was extra apologetic, and my brother-in-law even tasted and complimented the burnt crust that Brent had scraped off. Despite the drama, I think the dinner went well. I could've slapped some McNuggets on a plate with a side of ketchup and it would've still been great just because we were sharing it with our family.

Em might've enjoyed it a little more with McNuggest, actually, but we'll just say it was a case of exhausted-after-so-many-gifts-eeee-I-love-Christmas-so-much-itis.

Lest you think we forgot about the Hanukkah celebrations, here are three generations lighting the menorah. Em was particularly enamored by her grandfather's prayer skills. 

Hope you all had a great holiday!