For JoEllen

Just wanted to let you know that you hit the ball out of the park with your gifts.

Signe wasn't sure about the bear at first, but then she realize he was "alive". Puppy backpack is very loved. I'm afraid that we'll have to take it on the plane with us. (It wasn't on our packing list.)

Anni carried her baby around most of the evening, including the blanket. She loves giving it a bottle and patting it. (NO she isn't beating the baby, just patting.) Excuse poor Anni's appearance, she has a terrible cold and doesn't look her best.

Perks of being a little sister

You get to have goodies much earlier than your older siblings. Anni gets to taste more goodies because of Signe. Here she is sampling the frosting from the gingerbread house.

Signe's decorating philosophy - one for the house, one for me... two for the house, two for me. We're lucky that the house got any candy at all!

Snow

This is the only snow we've had on the ground this winter. Signe was so excited that we hurried outside before it melted. (It was gone by 1pm) Anni HATED getting her snowsuit & boots on, but once she was outside, she was thrilled. Though she was a bit of a marshmallow and unable to get-up by herself if she fell. I had to follow her around and pick her up. For the record - Signe isn't sticking her tongue out at me. She is eating snowflakes. A must-do on her list. What she is really wishing for is enough snow to build a snowman. Sadly, it doesn't look like that will be happening before Christmas. Hopefully, Minnesota will have enough snow to build one.

Seeing Santa

We waited over an hour to see Santa on Sunday. Never again will we wait this late in December. We went to Yankee Candle Flagship store. The Santa is there year-round and is WONDERFUL. I believe he has been there a very long time.

This kids were great. Though when we were just about to the front of the line, Signe was ready to give up. Her Christmas list changed again as we waited in line, a Curious George was added to the top because she saw one while we were waiting.

These are the best pictures. Not the best picture taking light. Santa was in the employee gym without very good lighting. I think Daddy looks just as excited as the girls.