Christmas Review

We had a very good Christmas this year. It started out with Dirk's family where we got to hang out with our cutest little nephew! It was fun to watch his facial expressions and his tongue action. He is just so adorable. Then Dirk got something in his eye while he was welding and his brother had to clean it out for him. I'd never seen the "other side" of an eye doctor before. (i.e. standing behind him while he examines.)

From there we went to my sister's in Missouri where I gave them Noah's Ark. It was great. I wrapped up all the animals in pairs, in separate boxes, then the ark in it's own box. Laura tore open Mr. and Mrs. Noah first and was like "ohh some... people?" Then she opened the turtles and started screaming and ran across the room. "TURTLES!!!" That was worth it. By then Lily had managed to open a box (with the help of grandpa) and started to squeal about the crocodiles. They just love reptiles!

Their excitement for opening gifts is not a trait they inherit from their mother, that is for sure. Growing up it was so frustrating because you'd get her THE PERFECT GIFT and she was like "ohh thank you." That's it. She might be leaping on the inside, but her excitement never makes it to the surface, which drove me nuts. (Dirk is like that too. The only time I've ever seen him truly EXCITED was when he got his boat, which was worthwhile.)

It was lots of fun. Laura played with the boat while Lily tottered around carrying all the animals to everyone, handing them out. Lily is at that cute stage where she is walking really good and wants to sit with everyone. She isn't talking yet, but she understands really well. It's so funny! She does exactly what you tell her to, but she doesn't talk. We think when she does start talking she'll just start with complete sentences.

Dirk gave me all kinds of wonderful gifts that I was extremely excited about. He gave me a digital kitchen scale, digital kitchen thermostat, rolling pin, baking stone, wooden spatula (to go with my new stainless steel cookware). You KNOW you are old when you get PUMPED about kitchen utensils.

Now I must go find a good cake recipe for Dirk's birthday. It's on Sunday and I think I'll surprise him with a special cake.