Santa Came! Santa Came!

The set up. Santa operations complete. Aurora is in the attic now. I went to bed about midnight.


Millie's gifts.


The girls were so worried about whether Santa would fill your stocking. I went ahead and put stuff in yours (all candy) so they wouldn't be upset. The stuff behind our stockings is the joint gifts, the gifts for both girls.


Autumn's gifts.


That little round tin and your box were my gifts. I loved both of them ($100 Kohl's money and a Garmin Forerunner 10).


The doll house.


Up close.


Santa cookies and water. Thank goodness Autumn is considerate to Santa by leaving water. Santa does not like milk so much.


Big ole bite.

So now, at midnight, Santa has gone to bed. He left all the Christmas lights on inside, which made it a little hard to fall asleep. Around 2 am, Millie woke up crying. I went to check on her and she said, "I just want you mommy." How can you say no to that? I picked her up and carried her and her pillow in such a way that she did not see the Christmas stuff. We fell asleep shortly after that.

At 730 am, I see Cinderella jumping up and down exclaiming, "Santa came! Santa Came!" Autumn looked adorable in her Cinderella costume. She tore out of my room to the living room and I was yelling behind her, "wait for us!" Come on Millie, let's go check it out. "No mom. Sleep." Millie was not far behind me.


Autumn was so happy. She said nice things about everything she received. I had to point out the doll house.


This was the first gift Millie opened. She stayed on this thing for the first half hour. I had to really convince her to open the rest of her gifts. Autumn ended up opening most of them I think.

Santa used some bad tape or some bad paper, I am not sure which, but the girls had a really hard time getting things open. We'll need to make sure next year goes better.

After opening, assembling, and cussing (the gift my mom sent... the little people princess castle... that thing was NOT EASY to put together), I took a shower and did some cooking.

Round two of the stuffing muffins.


They turned out really good this time. They didn't come out as muffins (I think I did not use enough chicken stock in them), but they were still very delicious. There was a good bit leftover, so I think I may freeze some of it and pick me up a small turkey breast once I work through some of this ham and lasagna.


My ham.

The girls ran around and played while I got ready for Jennifer's/Brett's.


I caught Millie wearing this (she is still wearing her Minnie Mouse costume as well). I think I'm going to have to peel it off her!


Autumn's fave outfit for the day. She looks pretty darn cute doesn't she? It was from my Grandma and I hope she didn't pay what the sticker said on them.

We left for Jennifer's about noon-ish. We had lunch there and the kids all played. IT was hectic and little on the wild side, but I think everyone had a really nice time.

We left there about 6 pm. I was tired, the girls were tired (no nap). I knew I still needed to stop by and visit with our neighbors too. The girls fell asleep on the way home and then woke up so we could visit Bev/Deb/and Sly. We stayed there about an hour and Sylvester gave me a glass of wine. IT was nice. I guess they did not realize you were deployed until I talked to Sylvester about the Christmas lights. HA! The girls acted terrible while were there and I was so embarrassed, but I always enjoy chatting with them and they are always so nice to the girls. Really, they are great neighbors.

So now we are home. The girls are watching wow wow behind me in the playroom. We are missing you. Before I close, I have a few very random photos to share.


A pretty Millie picture I found on my phone.


Bat MO! I cannot believe that Autumn figured this out before I did.


Rocks. In the washing machine. I always hear from other mom's that this is totally a boy thing to do. Guess people are not prepared for an Autumn squarepants. She refuses to be boxed into any kind of stereotype. I hope that sticks!


One last look at our tree.


Your tree. Autumn loved this photo. It makes me happy and sad all at the same time. What can I say, I'm that kind of girl.

This morning when the girls thought you could see all the things they were showing you. I was grateful for the opportunity to hear your voice, but it made me sad that you were not here enjoying this special family day with us.

Well, I am off to figure out my brand new garmin. I hope to use it tomorrow if the weather is nice and supposedly, it will be.

I Love you and I miss you so much.

Your current wife and favorite airman. xoxo


The count: 118 and 53 days of Christmasing without you (the only picture I got of them together and man, they look bustery!).