Christmas Day

Christmas morning had finally arrived.  As a child I used to be amazed at how presents would multiply during the night and practically explode out from the tree on Christmas morning.  I love that we can create that same magic for Tessa.

G&G's dollhouse, stocked with princes and princesses of course, was a huge hit.  I admit, I had fun arranging the furniture and placing the dolls.  Belle was dining with the Beast, Cinderella and Prince Charming were cuddling on the porch swing, Ariel was bathing in the tub, Sleeping Beauty was in bed (duh) and, well, you get my point.  Tessa LOVES this toy and I love watching her use that active imagination of hers.  At one point, Ryan noticed she had relegated all of the princes to the living room while princesses were everywhere else in the house.  Ryan renamed that room the "Man Cave" and I had to laugh.              

Ryan and Tessa made me a card for Christmas.  While I don't normally go for pictures before make-up (or caffeine), she was being so sweet that it was a camera-worthy moment.  

We video conferenced with Nanny & Pa so we could share Christmas morning with them.  Tessa opened her computer/reader and immediately started pushing buttons.  This book comes with activities and books and all kinds of neat programs.  It's pink and has princess stories preloaded so you know it was a hit too. 

G&G and Nanny came over around lunchtime for more holiday fun.  We had forgotten to take our British family picture the night before so we pulled out the tripod and posed.  It became a comedy of errors to get a good picture.  The lighting was weird thanks to the tree and the windows, Tessa was being a wiggly four year old, and the automatic timer was throwing us all off.  Then Tessa and Nanny got the giggles and it really got challenging.  Notice in the top picture how I am shoving Tessa into position.  I'm glad we got these pictures, even if it wasn't nearly as easy as I thought it would be.     

Ryan did his usual excellent job of cooking the turkey.  I'm getting better at planning our holiday meals so there isn't so much to do on the actual holiday.  I would much rather play with all the fun new toys.  But, with a group effort, we had a very nice meal and this princess looks so grown up sitting at the dining room table.    

We spent the rest of the day playing, chatting and relaxing.  Time spent with family is priceless, my very favorite Christmas present.